In our previous article, we went into detail about the overarching importance of conserving our forests and mentioned our commitment to form sustainable partnerships that are keen to support the efforts of helping Kenya attain 10% forest cover. In the quest for transparency and accountability, we hoped to highlight some of the activities we engaged in; our little thing as citizens, with the hope that we will steer the next generation toward environmental stewardship.
March and September mark the end of the great anticipation for the start of the rainy season in Kenya and since the beginning of March, I had been eager to set the ready seedlings on the ground in my kitchen garden and off the little tins they had been growing in while in my makeshift greenhouse.
Elsewhere, Michael Waiyaki, the founder of Miti Alliance, had spent nearly every day of this month calling all volunteers to get ready for tree planting sessions in schools and forests around the country. The start of the month also signified the culmination of a tree-hugging photo challenge initiated by Bôhten – a company based in Ghana that designs handmade frames using sustainably sourced materials from Africa – where for every picture, the company planted a tree in collaboration with Miti Alliance.
On #WangariMaathaiDay, 3rd March, we celebrated the life of an icon who continues to inspire citizens to care for the environment, in Kenya and around the world. On this day, an important event, the first of its kind, was marked in Kenya. In Naro Moru, a small market town in Nyeri County and a base for hikers ascending Mt. Kenya to its east, a group of enthusiastic keepers gathered to pray for the reforestation project that was about to take place.
SUGi, Forest Makers and Ocean Gardeners who use donated funds to restore biodiversity and regenerate ecosystems funded the establishment of a Miyawaki Forest in Kenya in collaboration with Miti Alliance and TakaTaka Solutions, the largest waste management company in East Africa and among the few who recycle organic waste, who were kind enough to donate that lovely brown gold (organic fertilizer) needed for this project. Here’s a Twitter thread that summarizes what Michael and the team embarked on, a video showing the work done and the infographic below to expound on the technique used.
Thanks to a collaboration formed between Cookswell Jikos and Miti Alliance, generous stewards like you donated Seedballs that have been dispersed using a catapult to various landscapes and forest ecosystems throughout March and April.
SEEDBALLS Kenya is the fruitful product of a sustainable partnership: a team of visionary individuals developed a fast and affordable method of forest regeneration; tree seeds in a capsule. The dust of salvaged charcoal waste and nutrient-rich material is used to make Seedballs, sounds simple, but those interested in the technical details can read about it here.
This collaboration has supported our goal of planting 1 Million Seedballs in Kenya that currently stands at 89,500. To our partners, we truly appreciate your generous contribution. Here’s a brief, very brief account:
Sunrays Kenya, a family-owned and women-managed Car Rental service donated 2500 Seedballs through the Miti Alliance Twitter Fundraiser and these were distributed by the Lets Drift Community, those daring adventurous people, along their nature trail; Mai Mahiu – Nachu – Gicheru – Kimuka – Ngong.
Patricia collaborated with Miti Alliance, CKL Africa and TBEi to plant trees in St. Joseph Primary School. Rongai Primary School was also a beneficiary of the generous support from CKL Africa and Cookswell Jikos.
Northwood Africa distributed Seedballs in Taita Taveta Hills, a Coastal Forest Ecosystem.
A batch of 12000 Seedballs was donated by the Rotary Club of Marsabit and Buno Woche to increase our green footprint in Marsabit County, parts that form the Northern Dryland Forest ecosystems.
The Millennial Environmentalists were not left out, they joined in the planting of 100 tree seedlings and 2500 Seedballs at a ladies hostel around town with support from CKL Africa. On the same day, the #InternationalDayOfForests, @RotaryWestlands planted 120 assorted fruit trees & indigenous trees from our nursery and 2500 Seedballs at the Gospel Garden Bible College.
To kick start this month and finalize on this rather long list of cheerful givers, women rode for a cause and dispersed some seeds in collaboration with Miti Alliance on the International Day of Female Riders. #GreeningHolidays initiative led by Environmental Students Association planted trees in Githurai, a suburb in the outskirts of Nairobi City with support of CKL Africa, the leading animal health and crop product company focused on increasing farm productivity and Milkywire who fund grassroots NGOs working to fight the world’s biggest problems.
I thank God for the frequent rainfall that has encouraged the lush growth of the herbs and vegetables I planted in February and March. They are now thriving in soils fed with organic compost. I can see it. And later, I hope to enjoy and share delicious plant-based recipes with these homegrown ingredients. Just like this garden, may all the tree seedlings planted and Seedballs dispersed grow, thrive and support the local communities that helped nurture them!