35,000 schools to reap big from fruit tree programme

At least 35,000 secondary and primary schools will benefit from a fruit tree planting project.

The project, a partnership between the Standard Group and the Fruity Schools Africa, was launched on Sunday at the Machakos Boys' High School during the International Day of Forests.

Head of business services at the Fruity Schools Africa Kevin Nyamora said in the first phase they plan to plant one million trees at a cost of Sh150 million in three months.

He said the project would help the Government increase forest cover and create a conducive environment for learners.

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The programme will also create jobs and an income for schools through the sale of the fruits. "These fruits will also be consumed by students thus enhancing their nutrition," he added.

The two organisations will help source local and international markets.

The school principal Kahi Indimulli said the project comes at the right time after previous tree-planting projects failed due to charcoal burning. "We have been planting trees to improve forest cover but this has been thwarted by charcoal business," he said.

Mr Indimulli, who is also the chairman of the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association, urged schools to set aside land for the project. 

The Kenya Primary Schools Headteachers Association Chairman Johnstone Nzioka said 25,000 primary schools will benefit from the project.

He called upon schools management to welcome and safeguard the project, adding that it comes with a lot of benefits. He noted that it would go a long way in conserving the environment.

Learners from different schools participated in the day-long exercise.