Britam Foundation has entered a five-year strategic partnership with the Jumbo Charge Trust to finance a large-scale reforestation project in the vital Mt. Elgon Water Tower. The initial phase of the initiative will involve planting 200,000 trees across 444 hectares of degraded forest land, aiming to bolster climate resilience and support local communities.
This collaboration directly supports Kenya’s National Tree Growing and Restoration Strategy and the global UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. The project is a key component of Britam Foundation’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy, which focuses on sustainable, community-driven conservation efforts.
“Restoring the Mt. Elgon Water Tower is not just about planting trees, it’s about investing in the long-term health of our environment, enhancing climate resilience, and empowering local communities. This initiative is designed not only to improve the climate and public health but also to restore the vital ecosystem of Mt. Elgon, a critical water tower that impacts three counties, borders Uganda, and feeds downstream into Lake Turkana and Lake Victoria,” said Catherine Karita, Director Britam Foundation
“By restoring the forest, we aim to create more predictable water patterns, which in turn enables local farmers to cultivate their land more successfully, thereby changing lives.”
The approach is deeply rooted in community empowerment, whereby the project will directly involve local communities by creating employment opportunities and boosting the local economy through the procurement of seeds from local suppliers. Beyond the physical tree planting, Britam Foundation’s commitment extends to providing programs in financial literacy and conservation education.
Ultimately, this partnership represents both organisations dedication to creating a better environment and ensuring we leave a healthier planet for the next generation
“By working hand-in-hand with local communities, we will not only restore the forest but also build a powerful sense of environmental stewardship from the ground up. This partnership with Britam Foundation is incredibly important for the people of Mt. Elgon, and we are starting immediately. Our first goal is to plant 200,000 trees in the forest, a critical ecosystem that currently has less than 5% cover,” said Charles Mulupi, Jumbo Charge Chairman.
“But our impact goes beyond planting, our approach is community-driven. We buy seedlings directly from local people and support their livelihoods through other initiatives like beekeeping and ecotourism. We are focused on Mt. Elgon because it is a vital ‘water tower’, its 40 to 50 rivers feed Lake Victoria, which impacts the weather patterns and the well-being of nearly two million people,” added Mr Mulupi.
A significant aspect of the deal is that Britam Foundation will retain full ownership of all environmental benefits, including the carbon rights, generated from the newly planted trees. This move aligns with a growing corporate trend of investing in environmental projects that can yield tangible ESG assets.
Under the terms of the agreement, Jumbo Charge Trust will manage the on-the-ground implementation, leveraging its technical expertise and its existing collaboration with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS). The trust will oversee the entire process, from sourcing quality seedlings to planting and monitoring, to ensure high survival rates for the trees.
A central pillar of the project is the mobilization of local communities, including Community Forest Associations (CFAs), youth groups, and schools. This approach is designed to foster a culture of ownership and ensure the long-term stewardship of the restored forest areas. The initial restoration activities will target the Cheptais, Kaberwa, Kiptogot, and Kitale Township Forest blocks, with plans to expand to other areas in subsequent years.
To ensure accountability, both organizations will establish a joint framework to track the project’s progress and measure its impact effectively.
This partnership also contributes to Britam’s bold pledge to plant 60 million trees across Africa by 2030, fostering a greener future for all. This is as it marks its 60th anniversary.
