Munir Sheikh Ahmed- Managing Director NBK (R) with Director of Marketing
Bernadette Ngara (L)
NAIROBI, KENYA: National Bank of Kenya has announced achieving the planting of 1.5 Million trees in 36 counties where it has its branches in an ambitious program that aims to plant, protect and nurture 2 Million trees in all counties by 2017.
Under this program this year, National Bank rehabilitated over 250 hectares in the Mau Forest Complex, the largest indigenous mountain forest in East Africa. According to research data from UNEP and the Kenya Forest Research Institute, the economic benefit of tree planting and other conservation efforts is estimated to be more than Sh115 billion per year from the Mau Forest Complex alone. Well over 25 million people in Kenya and countless wildlife species depend directly on forest and indirectly on sustainable rain patterns for their livelihood.
This achievement by National Bank coincides with the 4th Anniversary celebrations of Nobel Peace prize Laurete Prof. Wangari Maathai who passed on in September 25, 2011. Prof. Maathai’s“1 Billion Tree project” supported by the United Nations Environmental programme (UNEP) changed the global view of conservation and climate change and resulted in the planting of 7 Billion trees around the world.
Speaking while she made the announcement, Marketing and Corporate Communication Director Bernadette Ngara said the bank’s tree planting program would now focus on the arid regions in Northern Kenya as the bank seeks to open new branches for presence in all counties. National Bank presently has four branches in Northern Kenya: Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir and Garissa.
Tree planting is ongoing in Marsabit and Lodwar countries. “Our vision is a shade from forest cover in all the counties across Kenya. We are aware of the challenges in supporting and protecting trees around the country and especially in Kenya’s arid areas and are working with the Kenya Forest Service for the relevant technical support. Prof. Wangari remains a great inspiration to us. Whatever it takes, we will get it done.”
The MD and CEO Mr. Munir S. Ahmed said the bank was already working with the Kenya Scouts Association, Kenya Forest Services, County Governments, schools, universities, NGOs in the environment sector and other institutional partners. “As a homegrown bank with a rich Kenyan heritage, National Bank wants to play an active role in shaping the future of Kenya not just through lending and wealth creation but through support of frontline impact through conservation and betterment of our environment,” said Mr Munir.
