The Isuzu East Africa Foundation has officially handed over a new tree nursery in Aberdares, Kiamuturi, Murang’a County to the local community, marking a significant step in the company’s environmental sustainability efforts. This initiative is part of Isuzu EA’s broader commitment to environmental conservation and community support.
The newly established tree nursery features 13 beds and is designed to produce 52,000 seedlings annually. It will focus on growing indigenous and fruit tree seedlings, which will be distributed to the community through the self-help group Green Shine. The provision of these seedlings is expected to enhance local nutrition, bolster livelihoods, and support land restoration initiatives.
This project underscores Isuzu EA’s dedication to environmental stewardship by promoting afforestation and sustainable water management. The Aberdare Mountain Range, a crucial water catchment area for Nairobi and its surroundings, will benefit from the tree nursery’s efforts to replace Tasmanian blue gum trees with bamboo. Bamboo will be planted along riparian lands to mitigate soil erosion and prevent sediment accumulation in rivers and dams.
Charles Kariuki, Director of Isuzu EA Foundation, emphasized the company’s long-term commitment to sustainability. “The establishment of the Isuzu East Africa Foundation demonstrates Isuzu East Africa’s commitment to conducting a sustainable business for long-term resilience,” Kariuki said. “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.”
The initiative is expected to reduce the cost per seedling by 63.7 percent compared to current prices, with a focus on improving seedling quality and achieving a 95 percent survival rate. This project will also support Isuzu’s ongoing afforestation efforts, which began in 2023 with a target of planting 100,000 trees by the end of 2025 in the Aberdares region.
The Kiamuturi tree nursery is one of several environmental projects undertaken by Isuzu EA. Other initiatives include tree-planting efforts in Muumandu Hills Forest in Machakos and the Dongo Kundu Bypass on the coast, where mangrove trees are being cultivated. Since 2022, Isuzu EA has grown approximately 65,000 trees and donated modern beehives to local communities.
These environmental efforts contribute to the company’s goal of offsetting vehicle emissions as part of its transition to Euro 4 technology. Additionally, the project has fostered collaboration among Isuzu EA employees, partners, and the community through impactful social programs.
The tree nursery project involved the participation of around 250 employees from the Isuzu Manufacturing Division, who contributed their skills and labor in partnership with the local community. The construction utilized Isuzu EA’s recycled packaging materials, aligning with circular economy principles by advancing recycling techniques and reducing waste.
The total investment in the Aberdares Tree Nursery Project amounts to KSh2.7 million. This initiative supports the Kenyan government’s ambitious goal, launched in December 2021, to grow at least 15 billion trees by 2032.
Dr. Michael Musyoka, Isuzu East Africa’s Sustainability, Monitoring, and Evaluation Manager, highlighted the company’s ongoing efforts to combat climate change. “Isuzu East Africa will continue to collaborate closely with local stakeholders to ensure that everyone benefits from this initiative. We continue to work towards creating a greener environment in our country, one tree at a time.”