Speech by Hilda Njeru, Director Legal & Company Secretary

Story by Ayubu John Afrimedia news.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Environmental sustainability remains one of the greatest challenges and responsibilities of our generation. As an institution, we have embraced this responsibility through an ambitious initiative to plant 15 million trees and ensure that every tree planted has the opportunity to grow to maturity.

As one of our panelists mentioned earlier today, the trees we plant are seeds of hope. Many of us may never personally enjoy the full benefits of these trees, but we are intentional in our actions because we understand that we are investing in future generations. We are planting today so that those who come after us may inherit a healthier and more sustainable environment.

When we examine the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the goal of Good Health and Well-being, we see a direct connection between environmental conservation and the quality of life of our communities. Through our foundation and various community programs, we continue to provide access to clean water, support maternal healthcare initiatives for mothers in the informal sector, and extend insurance solutions to marginalized communities. These interventions demonstrate our commitment to improving lives and creating lasting social impact.

Strong governance remains at the heart of everything we do. Our Group Managing Director has highlighted our efforts in fraud detection and prevention, ensuring that risks are identified early and resources protected. Effective governance structures and robust internal controls are essential for building sustainable institutions. They enable us to contribute meaningfully to environmental conservation, community development, social impact, and economic growth while creating value for our employees, shareholders, investors, and society at large.

One of tSpeech by Hilda Njeru, Director Legal & Company Secretaryhe innovations supporting our environmental agenda is the Tawi App. Developed by our talented in-house technology team, the application plays a critical role in monitoring our tree-planting initiative from start to finish.

Through the app, we can track pre-planting activities, monitor trees during planting, and follow up on their growth after planting. The platform provides real-time information on the number of trees planted, their health status, and their survival rates. This allows us to ensure accountability and transparency while measuring the true impact of our efforts.

The Tawi App will also enable our partners to onboard their own staff, volunteers, and stakeholders involved in tree planting. Every activity can be recorded and monitored, creating a reliable system that supports long-term success and sustainability.

To date, we have planted approximately 180,000 trees. Since launching the initiative late last year, our focus has been on laying a strong foundation by building partnerships, securing seedlings, identifying suitable land, and establishing the systems necessary to support large-scale implementation.

We recognize that tree planting requires careful planning and collaboration. According to insights shared by the Kenya Forest Service, national seedling production capacity presents important considerations, especially as many organizations and the Government of Kenya pursue the ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees.

For this reason, we have chosen to be deliberate and strategic in our approach. We have invested time in building the right partnerships and putting the necessary structures in place. Today, that foundation has been established. The groundwork is complete, the partnerships are strong, and we are ready to accelerate our efforts.

The journey ahead is clear. Together, we can restore our environment, strengthen our communities, and create a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Thank you.