Celebrating our centenary in Kenya

Blog post
Written By International Tree Foundation

This year, marks 100 years of our work planting, protecting and promoting trees around the world. To mark such a remarkable anniversary, we gathered with local partners and tree lovers to celebrate.

ITF Chief Executive, James Whitedhead and Kenya Programmes Manager, Mercy Kimani, presenting a certificate of appreciation to James Mathea, son of one of the founding members of Watu wa Miti.

International Tree Foundation (ITF) was established in Kenya in 1922 to plant, protect and promote the love of trees in partnership with communities. To celebrate 100 years of growing trees and our roots of origin, we hosted an party in Nairobi. ITF’s Africa Programmes Manager, Wycliffe Matika and the Kenya Programmes Manager, Mercy Kimani, reflect on the Centenary Celebrations held in Kenya on 10th June 2022.

Momentous events

This occasion coincided with two remarkable and momentous events. During that week, there was the annual World Environment Day on 5th June with the theme ‘’Only One Earth’’ and the announcement by the Kenyan Government of surpassing the 10% national and constitutional tree cover threshold. These two events informed key discourses that were amplified at this event.

Presided over by the Government of Kenya, Principal Secretary representative (Mr. Stephen King’oo), Ministry of Environment & Forestry. Attending guests included various restoration and conservation sector leaders, government institutions (KFS & KEFRI), Pan-Africa hub representatives, National Alliance of Community Forest Associations, partners ( Women in Water and Natural Resource Conservation, Kijabe Environmental Volunteers Organization), funders ( One Tree Planted), ITF-staff & CEO, James Mathea ( son of one of ITF’s founding members and mainstream media.

Reflections on ITF’s journey

Wycliffe Matika, ITF’s Africa Programmes Manager

Wycliffe Matika, used GIS and remote sensing technologies, to visually walk the attending guests through ITF’s geographical foot-print across 11 countries in Africa, where ITF is working with 35 partner organisations.

He also reiterated the relevance of ITF’s vision and mission in attaining continental conservation obligations, AFR100 commitment, UN Decade of ecosystem restoration and Kenyan vision 2030 goals.

He stated that ITF will remain at the forefront driving and spurring necessary actions required to address the biodiversity crisis and in promoting green renaissance in Africa as a foundation for sustainable socio-economic development.

The event not only celebrated the history, impact and current status of the charity, it was also an opportunity to recognise and appreciate the grassroot partners who have been instrumental in the work of the ITF.

The following speakers gave brief remarks as outlined below,

  • Dr. Peter A Minang, Director for Africa, Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)- ICRAF

Dr Minang gave captivating remarks about the sustainability of ITF’s work and community-led approach since 1922. He stated that the ITF model had resulted in transformational change among many organisations and inspired research, innovation and paradigm shifts across the globe. He also spoke about ‘Green Poverty’ and how ITF’s livelihood projects in Africa are supporting vulnerable communities to overcome this challenge.

Dr. Chomba applauded ITF for clinching 100 years, mainstreaming GIS- technologies and innovations in the monitoring and sharing of its impact. She appreciated the work of ITF in accelerating and incubating community led organizations across Africa to restore vital landscapes.

Kirsty reiterated the need to conserve over 141 Kenyan’s native and indigenous trees that are threatened with extinction. She further appreciated the role played by ITF in promoting and mainstreaming of such tree species in the current tree planning regimes but also in strengthening the capacities of local communities to protect and conserve them.

Dr. Kagombe underscored the role of research and innovations in scaling up restoration work. He further mentioned the various protocols on nursery accreditations and value additions in dryland areas that KEFRI is promoting. He lauded ITF- historic tree journal that continue to inspire dissemination and publication of best practices.

Teresa showed her appreciation to ITF for the opportunity to serve as its pioneer project officer in the last five years. She reiterated that despite ITF’s approach being firmly held at the grassroot level it has potential for upscale and replication across the globe.

  • Moving tribute by James Mathea, Son of the founding members of Watu wa Miti

The nonagenarian (over 90 years old) moved participants by explaining the spirit and vision of Watu wa Miti organisation in Kenya. He vividly narrated the preciousness of the natural resources and their vital role in sustaining human life. He also requested for capacity building opportunities to allow him to pass-on his wealth of knowledge and experience to younger generations.

Mr. Nduati reiterated that the attainment of 12.3% tree cover was a concerted effort of all stakeholders including ITF. He emphasised the need to tackle the drivers of deforestation that entail poverty, lack of environmental education and climate change. He narrated Prof. Wangari Maathai’s story of the Humming Bird as a catalyst for all organizations and citizens to combat climate change.

  • Mr. Stephen King’oo , Principal Secretary representative, Ministry of Environment and Forestry

Mr. King’oo stated the overarching role of the Government of Kenya in attaining and maintaining the 10% tree cover, the use of technologies in forest measurement and valuation, the need to diversify programmes to reach vulnerable populations within Kenyan Drylands and the need for capacity strengthening on community and well as ecosystem resilience.

  • Key Note Address by James Whitehead, ITF’s CEO

James used the opportunity to congratulate ITF partners and pay tribute to the leaders and environmental heroes who are championing tree planting and making a difference for their communities, country and the planet. He shared his experience during his recent tour across the major forest water towers of Kenya. James reiterated the preciousness of the earth and the need for harmonious connectivity and nature-based solutions.

Green Championship Awards and Certificates

The following were awarded with Green Championship Awards and Certificates towards the recognition of their vital contribution to and protecting Mother Earth.

Trophies

  • ITF Green Championship Award to Kenya Forest Service (KFS): For fostering Excellence in Sustainable Management and Conservation of Kenya’s Forest Resources as lifelines for current and future generations. Award received by Peter Nduati, Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests.

  • ITF Green Championship Award to National Alliance of Community Forest Associations (NACOFA): For enhancing holistic, social inclusion in sustainable forest resources management and conservation through Community Forest Associations in Kenya. Award received by Peter Wandera, Chair NACOFA.

Certificates

  • ITF Green Championship Award to James Mathea: For visionary leadership and dedication in nurturing Watu wa Miti.

  • ITF Green Championship Award to Women in Water and Natural Resources Conservation (WWANC): For excellence in mainstreaming gender and women empowerment in natural Resource management and conservation.

  • ITF Green Championship Award to Kijabe Environment Volunteers  (KENVO): For exemplary work in the restoration of threatened trees species and community empowerment in Kikuyu Forest Escarpment

  • ITF Green Championship Award to Teresa Maina Gitonga: For exemplary work and service in reinvigorating and expanding ITF’s work in Kenya.

Media coverage

  • The event was broadcasted on Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) which has national coverage in Kenya.

  • The event also featured on K24 TV, a television station that broadcasts news in Kikuyu (Inooro TV) and English.

  • The event was covered on Kenya Forest Service’s (KFS) mainstream social media.

Closing remarks

We’re happy to report that the event was cheerful as we got to reflect on the past 100 years and the impact made by our founding members. This was also a great opportunity for us to appreciate the tremendous efforts made by our partners in supporting communities to build resilience against the effects of climate change. As we look forward to the next 100 years, we are excited to continue working in partnership with communities to plant trees that restore the planet and build sustainable livelihoods.

Finally, the event was certainly a good precursor to the upcoming UK Centenary celebrations on 23rd July.

By Wycliffe Matika, Africa Programmes Manager and Mercy Kimani, Kenya Programmes Manager.

 

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