Naivas Supermarkets has marked its 36th anniversary with an environmental conservation initiative targeting the planting of 10,000 tree seedlings across eight acres at Ol Donyo Sabuk National Reserve.
The initiative, conducted in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), brought together Naivas employees, partners, community stakeholders and conservation champions in an effort to restore forest cover, protect biodiversity and strengthen climate resilience.
Naivas Chief Executive Officer Andreas von Paleske said the initiative reflects the retailer’s commitment to environmental restoration and conservation as part of its broader responsibility to Kenyan communities.
“Environmental restoration, protecting our environment and safeguarding our biodiversity are core values that Naivas holds,” von Paleske said.
He said the company’s focus extends beyond the number of seedlings planted, with emphasis placed on ensuring the trees survive, mature and contribute to the restoration of the ecosystem over the long term.
The CEO said the initiative demonstrates Naivas’ “Naivas Ni Kwetu” philosophy, which positions environmental protection as part of safeguarding Kenya’s shared future.
As a retailer serving millions of households, Naivas said healthy ecosystems, reliable rainfall, fertile soils and resilient communities are important to the food systems and supply chains that support Kenyan families.
The Kilimambogo initiative is among the largest single-day environmental activities undertaken by the retailer and forms part of its broader sustainability efforts.
Naivas said its environmental responsibility will continue beyond the planting exercise. In partnership with KWS, the company plans to support watering, maintenance and monitoring of the seedlings to improve their survival and growth.
The initiative also sought to strengthen collaboration between the private sector, conservation agencies and local communities in protecting important ecosystems.
Naivas said the involvement of the Ol Donyo Sabuk community was critical to the conservation effort, recognising residents as important partners in protecting and sustaining the ecosystem.
The company expressed appreciation to KWS for providing stewardship and technical support, as well as to employees, volunteers, partners and other stakeholders who participated in the exercise.
The retailer said the tree-planting initiative reflects its broader commitment to responsible growth that benefits people, communities, suppliers, partners and the environment.
As it celebrates 36 years of operations in Kenya, Naivas said it will continue pursuing initiatives aimed at supporting the communities it serves while contributing to environmental conservation and the country’s sustainability goals.