Isuzu East Africa Foundation has handed over a tree nursery in Aberdares, Kiamuturi, Murang’a County to the community. This is part of Isuzu EA’s environmental sustainability initiatives.
The self-sustaining tree nursery project involved the participation of about 250 volunteers from the Isuzu Manufacturing Division. The team worked in collaboration with the community on the projects valued at Ksh. 2.7 million. The construction of the Aberdares Tree Nursery Project also used Isuzu EA’s recycled packaging material supporting the circular economy through advancing recycling techniques, reducing waste, and promoting resource efficiency.
The nursery accommodates 13 beds and will grow 52,000 seedlings annually. It will focus on growing indigenous and fruit tree seedlings, which will be donated to the community through a self-help group, Green Shine, to help support nutrition, livelihoods, and land restoration efforts.
The tree nursery project is an initiative by the Isuzu EA Foundation to support environmental conservation through afforestation and sustainable water management in the country. The project also demonstrates Isuzu EA’s dedication to supporting communities by creating livelihood opportunities.
The tree nursery will also encourage farmers to replace the Tasmanian blue gum trees with bamboo trees that will be planted along the riparian land to reduce soil erosion and accumulation into the rivers and dams. Donating trees to the community will help reduce cost per seedling by 63.7% from the current pricing with a focus on improved quality of the seedlings resulting in a survival rate of 95% from planted seedlings.
The project will also help in the economical obtaining of tree seedlings to support the ongoing Isuzu afforestation project in Aberdares started in 2023 and aims at growing 100,000 trees by the end of 2025 in the area. Since 2022, Isuzu East Africa has grown about 65,000 trees and donated modern beehives to communities.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Charles Kariuki, Director of Isuzu EA Foundation said, “The establishment of the Isuzu East Africa Foundation demonstrates Isuzu East Africa’s commitment to conducting a sustainable business for long-term resilience. We are dedicated to taking intentional steps to secure our future and contribute to the advancement of our country by investing in our environment, community, and our employees.”