Eight years ago, Samsung Electronics East Africa made a quiet promise: to plant and care for 10,000 indigenous trees in Nairobi’s Karura Forest. Today, that promise stands tall — literally — in the form of a flourishing green canopy that welcomes thousands of joggers, bird-watchers, and families every month. It has come to be affectionately known as the “Samsung Forest.”
Back in 2017, Kenya’s forest cover was a concerning 7%, falling short of the national 10% target. Samsung Electronics East Africa, in collaboration with Friends of Karura Forest, pledged to not only plant the trees but to nurture them, ensuring their growth and longevity.
Now, in 2025, those saplings are thriving, providing improved air quality, shelter for wildlife, and a serene refuge for urbanites. The transformation is a testament to Samsung’s long-term commitment to sustainability and the environment.
More than Just Trees
Samsung’s contribution to Karura Forest goes far beyond just planting trees. Along with the 10,000 indigenous trees, Samsung installed 200 benches and picnic tables, creating welcoming rest areas for joggers, tourists, and nature lovers. These additions have helped elevate Karura Forest as one of Nairobi’s premier green spaces.
The initiative reflects Samsung’s broader sustainability efforts, including its commitment to climate action, reducing carbon emissions through operational efficiency, supporting a circular economy that emphasizes recycling and waste reduction, and ensuring sustainable operations across all aspects of its supply chain. Together, these actions demonstrate Samsung’s holistic approach to sustainability, creating both environmental and social value.
Unlike many corporate sustainability initiatives that focus on the one-off event of planting trees, Samsung returned to Karura Forest to assess the progress and ensure that its commitment was being met. This follow-through has been key to the success of the project. It shows that sustainability is not just about taking the first step, but about continued investment and care for the long-term.
“Initial investment is only half the work,” said Nyawira Muraguri, Corporate Marketing Manager, Samsung Electronics East Africa. “True value lies in nurturing these projects over the long term. It’s not just about growing trees—it’s about ensuring they grow and thrive, which requires ongoing care and commitment. Returning to assess our progress allows us to build credibility with the communities we serve. Sustainability isn’t a one-time effort; it demands consistent dedication every step of the way.”
A Model for Local Impact
Samsung’s long-term investment in Karura Forest is a prime example of how the private sector can have a positive impact on local communities. In an era when many companies focus on large-scale global sustainability campaigns, Samsung chose to invest in its local community, helping to restore a key part of Nairobi’s ecosystem.
The firm continues to evaluate and implement new ways to integrate sustainability into their operations. “Samsung remains committed to expanding its environmental efforts, focusing on long-term positive impacts for both people and the planet”, Nyawira concluded.
