LG Electronics (LG Electronics) East Africa has planted more than 300 indigenous trees at Ngong Hills Forest in a continued effort to support Kenya’s environmental restoration agenda and strengthen the country’s critical water catchment ecosystems.
The exercise was conducted in partnership with the Ngong Hills Metro Community Forest Association (CFA) and Tree Niches as part of a long-term conservation programme aimed at restoring degraded forest areas and improving ecosystem resilience.
Strengthening Kenya’s Forest Ecosystems
Ngong Hills Forest, a 7,000-acre ecosystem located about 25 kilometres southwest of Nairobi, is one of Kenya’s key natural assets. The forest plays a crucial role in water catchment, supplying communities in Nairobi, Kajiado, Kiambu, and surrounding counties.
Beyond its environmental importance, the forest also supports biodiversity and serves as a major recreational destination for residents and visitors.
However, the ecosystem continues to face threats from deforestation, illegal logging, encroachment, charcoal burning, overgrazing, and unsustainable land use practices.
Building on Previous Restoration Success
The latest tree planting initiative builds on a programme launched in 2025, during which more than 300 indigenous seedlings were planted in degraded sections of the forest.
Monitoring results showed that 252 of those trees survived, representing an 84% survival rate. According to LG and its partners, the strong survival rate demonstrates the effectiveness of ongoing maintenance, stewardship, and community involvement in conservation efforts.
Following this success, LG has now committed to supporting the growth of more than 520 trees in the Ngong Hills ecosystem over a two-year period.
Enhancing Visitor Experience and Conservation Awareness
In addition to the tree planting exercise, LG Electronics donated four benches to be installed at strategic points within the forest. The benches are expected to improve the experience of visitors and hikers while encouraging greater awareness of environmental conservation.
The initiative reflects a growing trend of integrating conservation efforts with eco-tourism and community engagement to promote sustainable use of natural resources.
Corporate Commitment to Sustainability
Speaking during the exercise, LG Electronics East Africa President Donghun Lee emphasised the importance of sustained environmental action.
“Last year, together with our partners, we planted more than 300 indigenous trees in this forest. We are pleased that 252 of those seedlings survived, achieving an 84 per cent survival rate. That success demonstrates that meaningful restoration is possible when tree planting is followed by proper care and monitoring,” said Lee.
He added that the results motivated the company to return and expand its restoration efforts as part of its long-term sustainability strategy.
Experts Call for Ecosystem-Based Restoration
Conservation experts note that restoring degraded forests is increasingly important as Kenya faces more frequent climate-related challenges, including droughts, flooding, and rising temperatures.
Dr. Solomon Kipkoech, Co-founder and Director of Tree Niches, said restoration initiatives must focus on rebuilding entire ecosystems rather than simply planting trees.
“Every successful restoration project helps reverse environmental degradation. The impact goes beyond trees planted and highlights the importance of sustained partnerships and community-led conservation,” he said.
As climate pressures intensify, initiatives such as the Ngong Hills restoration project continue to play a key role in protecting Kenya’s natural ecosystems and strengthening long-term environmental resilience.