Kenya joined the global community in celebrating World Environmental Health Day with a large-scale tree planting activity at Ngong Hills in Kajiado County. The initiative was spearheaded by the WRC Safari Rally Kenya in collaboration with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and White Cap, a heritage brand under Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) who collectively planted 100Â tree seedlings.
The event formed part of the Greening Legacy Project, an environmental programme launched by the Safari Rally to complement the country’s forest restoration campaign. The project demonstrates how sports and private-sector partnerships can be used to advance sustainability goals.
The exercise brought together rally organizers, environmental institutions and local residents, all contributing to Kenya’s target of rehabilitating degraded ecosystems. Under KFS’s Adopt a Forest scheme, the Safari Rally has already planted nearly nine million trees in 20 counties. The long-term aim is to reach 19 million trees nationwide within three years.
Safari Rally Kenya Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Charles Gacheru said the project reflects the sport’s wider responsibility beyond motorsport. He noted that with nine million trees already planted, the organization is on course to hit its 19 million tree goal, adding that the initiative represents a legacy to future generations.
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White Cap, one of the Safari Rally’s key partners, reinforced its commitment to sustainability through this programme. The brand has been involved in several conservation efforts, including its partnership with Rhino Ark through the Rhino Charge, a competition that channels funds into protecting water towers and reforestation in critical ecosystems like the Aberdares.
KBL’s Head of Premium Beer, Anitha Msangi, emphasized that White Cap views sustainability as a central part of its purpose. She described tree planting as a practical way to restore ecosystems and safeguard biodiversity, noting that the Ngong exercise was a meaningful way to commemorate World Environmental health Day.
The Kenya Forest Service echoed the importance of joint responsibility, stating that the partnership with Safari Rally and White Cap is directly supporting the country’s target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032. According to KFS, such collaborations demonstrate how government, corporate organizations, and communities can accelerate climate action.
The Greening Legacy Project not only contributes to Kenya’s national tree planting agenda but also aligns with the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, positioning the country as a regional leader in combining sport with sustainable development.
By Benedict Aoya
