State Department for TVET, Kenya Forest Service, Partner in Climate Change Project.
By Caroline Njiru
In a significant step towards environmental sustainability, Rotary District 9212, in partnership with the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and the Kenya Forest Service, successfully launched the “Plant Your Balance” campaign at Kabete National Polytechnic in Nairobi. The initiative, which aims to combat climate change through large-scale tree planting, saw the planting of 1,000 trees on the day of the launch in August 2024.
The “Plant Your Balance” campaign is a cornerstone of the centennial celebrations of both Rotary District 9212 and the State Department for TVET, as they commemorate 100 years of service in 2024. The project is ambitious, aiming to plant one million trees across Kenya within six months. The Kenya Forest Service has pledged its support by providing the trees necessary for the campaign.
This environmental initiative encourages individuals to plant trees corresponding to the number of years remaining until they reach 100, making it a personalized and impactful way to contribute to climate action. For instance, a 30-year-old participant would plant 70 trees.
In his speech at the launch, Rotary District Governor Dr. Joe Kamau emphasized the importance of this initiative in the fight against climate change, highlighting how it aligns with Rotary’s global commitment to sustainability. “The ‘Plant Your Balance’ campaign is more than just planting trees; it’s about fostering a culture of environmental consciousness and community engagement. Every tree planted today is a step toward a sustainable future,” Dr. Kamau stated.
The event, attended by dignitaries from the State Department for TVET, representatives from TVET institutions, Rotarians and Rotaractors marked the beginning of a six-month journey dedicated to environmental conservation. The partnership with public TVET colleges across Kenya is particularly noteworthy, as it not only promotes environmental sustainability but also provides hands-on learning opportunities for students.
Anne Kamonjo, head of the Greening and Climate Change Unit at the State Department for TVET, praised the initiative, noting that it complements the Ministry’s “Greening TVET in Kenya” program. This program aims to integrate environmental sustainability into technical and vocational education, ensuring that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to drive green practices and sustainable development.
The Rotary clubs in Kenya have a strong history of involvement in environmental initiatives, with more than 25 clubs participating in the National Tree Planting Day in November 2023. The “Plant Your Balance” campaign builds on this legacy, contributing to the government’s goal of increasing Kenya’s national tree cover from 10% in 2022 to 30% by 2032.
As the campaign progresses, the Rotary District 9212 and its partners are committed to mobilizing communities across the country, encouraging participation from all sectors of society. The success of this launch, with 1,000 trees planted in a single day, is a promising start towards achieving the campaign’s ambitious goal.
Looking forward, the partnership between Rotary District 9212, the State Department for TVET, and the Kenya Forest Service serves as a model for how public-private collaborations can effectively address critical issues like climate change. The trees planted under this initiative will not only contribute to environmental conservation but also stand as a lasting legacy of Rotary’s centennial celebrations, symbolizing the district’s commitment to service and sustainability.
As the campaign continues, the focus will remain on expanding the impact across all regions of Kenya, ensuring that by December 2024, the goal of one million trees is not only met but exceeded.
