Magical Kenya Open advocates for action on climate change

Njoroge Kibugu in action at the Magical Kenya Open. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

The world is getting warmer by the day, and that's why numerous sectors across the world are seeking measures to promote sustainable actions on climate change.

The 54th edition of Magical Kenya Open (MKO), which ended yesterday at the par 71 Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi, was not left out in the promotion of actions that are combating global warming.

For every birdie scored by each of the 156 golfers at the global showpiece, which is part of the DP World Tour, tournament sponsors Absa Bank Kenya, who have sunk Sh70 million in the contest, will plant 100 trees.

A birdie is a golf score that is one stroke lower than the par on a specific hole. The initiative, therefore, allowed golfers competing in the tournament, to have an opportunity to contribute go sustainable actions on climate change

The Birdies for Trees initiative started at Muthaiga on Thursday and the leading financial institution is eager to plant 200,000 trees by the end of the year across the country. Absa is committed to plant 10 million trees in the next five years.

The Birdies for Trees initiative is in line with Standard Group PLC commitment to support sustainable actions on climate change. The Standard Group was also the official media partner of the MKO.

"In the spirit of Africanacity, that African spirit of always finding a creative way to get things done, we have found a resourceful means to tap into the unique power of sports, such as golf," Charles Wokabi, Absa's Head of Sustainability, Communications, and Corporate Relations, told Standard Sports.

"We are using it to rally our stakeholders around sustainability and climate action through this initiative."

"We are looking forward to collaborating with more like-minded partners both in the public and private sector in amplifying this critical agenda while also raising awareness of climate change amongst our stakeholders to become more environmentally conscious."

"We encourage them to adopt appropriate solutions to mitigate environmental impact. Additionally, as a further demonstration of our commitment to the important sustainability agenda, all elements of our event set-up at the Muthaiga Golf Club, are sourced sustainably, either through repurposed or recycled material," Wokabi said.

"As Standard Group, we are also supporting sustainable actions on climate change," Charles Kimathi, the Standard Group PLC Head of Corporate Affairs, said, when the media outlet partnered with Lukenya University to support the forthcoming One Million Trees Marathon.

The inaugural race is slated for Lukenya University, Mtito Andei Campus, on March 26.

Winners will each get Sh500,000.

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