NCBA has strengthened its sustainability agenda through a large-scale tree planting and ecosystem restoration initiative at Kamwaki Coffee Estate in Kiambu County as part of its ambition to grow 10 million trees by 2030.
The initiative, implemented in partnership with Boreka Group, brought together farmers, conservation stakeholders, community members and NCBA leadership to mark World Environment Day under the global theme of environmental restoration.
During the event, participants planted 300 indigenous trees, adding to the 2,700 indigenous trees already established at Kamwaki Coffee Farm.
Agroforestry Positioned as a Climate and Economic Solution
Speaking during the event, NCBA Bank Kenya Managing Director James Gossip said restoring productive agricultural landscapes remains essential for strengthening Kenya’s climate resilience and long-term economic growth.
“Through agroforestry, we are demonstrating that environmental stewardship and economic growth can go hand in hand. Restoration must be practical, community-driven, and sustainable if we are to secure our future,” said Mr Gossip.
The activity forms part of NCBA’s Change the Story sustainability agenda and aligns with its Ubuntu Spirit campaign under the theme Empowering Ambitions through Climate Action.
Sustainability Commitments Drive Measurable Impact
Since launching its 15 Sustainability Commitments in 2023, NCBA has planted more than 1.4 million trees through collaborations with government agencies, conservation organisations and local communities.
The Group also mobilised KES 9.5 billion in green and sustainable financing in 2025 and directly or indirectly impacted more than 1.2 million livelihoods through various sustainability programmes.
NCBA noted that expanding access to sustainable finance remains central to its strategy across East Africa.
Agribusiness Portfolio Supports Sustainable Growth
The bank highlighted the role of agribusiness in advancing environmental and economic goals.
Currently, agribusiness contributes KES 21.3 billion in deposits and KES 22.8 billion in the Group’s loan portfolio, reflecting growing investor and farmer confidence in sustainable agricultural value chains.
The Kamwaki initiative is expected to demonstrate how commercial agriculture can integrate restoration efforts while maintaining productivity.
Partnership with Boreka Delivers Environmental and Social Gains
The World Environment Day event also showcased progress made through NCBA’s three-year partnership with Boreka Group.
Together, the partners have planted 340,000 trees, trained over 1,000 farmers on sustainable agroforestry practices, directly engaged 642 farmers and supported the creation of 400 green jobs across Kenya.
The programme has also generated climate benefits, with trees planted since 2023 estimated to have already sequestered 5,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent and projected to absorb more than 765,000 tonnes over the next 20 years.
Boreka Group Chief Executive Officer Esther Mutuma and Kamwaki Coffee Estate proprietor Michael Gichuki emphasised the importance of collaboration between communities, private sector players and environmental organisations in scaling restoration efforts.
Expansion Plans Underway for 2026
As part of its 2026 restoration programme, NCBA has committed to planting an additional 100,000 seedlings through its partnership with Boreka, with more than 40,000 seedlings already planted by the end of May 2026.
The Kamwaki project is expected to provide a practical model for small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises seeking to integrate agroforestry into commercial farming while contributing to Kenya’s climate action and restoration targets.