Rotary Club of Kericho Tackles Deforestation with ‘Plant Your Balance’ Initiative
By Oscar Lumire
Kericho, Kenya – As environmental challenges such as deforestation, climate change, and biodiversity loss intensify, the Rotary Club of Kericho is taking action by participating in the “Plant Your Balance” Rotary District 9212 centenary initiative. Launched as part of their ongoing community service efforts, this tree-planting project encourages members to actively engage in reforestation to combat environmental degradation.
Kenya, like much of the world, is facing the consequences of rapid urbanization and deforestation. This has led to severe soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and increased greenhouse gas emissions, threatening the delicate balance of ecosystems. In the local context of Kericho, the impact of deforestation has been evident in the shrinking forests and the negative effects on agriculture and local wildlife.
Recognizing this growing problem, the Rotary Club of Kericho joined other clubs in Rotary District 9212 to address these environmental issues through the District’s “Plant Your Balance” campaign. The project urges individuals to plant trees equivalent to the balance between their age and 100 years, symbolizing a personal investment in restoring the earth’s natural resources.
Chartered in 2021, the Rotary Club of Kericho meets weekly at the Grace Conference Centre, where members collaborate on impactful projects aimed at uplifting the local community.
“We believe that environmental sustainability is crucial for the future of our community and our planet,” said a Rotarian from the Club. “Through this project, we not only contribute to reforestation but also raise awareness about the importance of individual responsibility in tackling climate change.”
The club’s tree-planting efforts are part of a broader movement to encourage environmental stewardship among the local population. By partnering with local schools, businesses, and government bodies, Rotary Club members hope to expand the “Plant Your Balance” initiative and inspire more people to take action for the planet.
