KCB feted for environmental conservation
KCB Group has been recognized for its outstanding environmental initiatives in the region which includes planting one million trees in 2011.
The bank which has a presence in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Southern Sudan received an award in the Corporate Kenya category for its efforts in tree planting during the Total Eco Challenge Award 2010.
KCB Group Chief Executive Dr. Martin Oduor-Otieno said: “It feels good to receive this award for the efforts we have made to conserve the environment. I’d like to acknowledge the efforts put forth by the KCB Foundation and our employees all over the region.”
The bank which was the only one in the corporate category has supported 18 schools, planting 195,000 trees in such areas as Budalangi and Ngong Forest.
Dr. Oduor-Otieno said conserving the environment was vital if Kenya was to increase its forest cover in the country which has reduced to less than two percent of its land area, far less than the minimum 10 percent required cover for healthy ecosystems.
He challenged the government and individuals to work together to this end.
“Planting a million trees is not easy it needs effort in making sure that the forest cover in our country is preserved,” he said.
In its continuous efforts to make a difference across the region, the bank has been encouraging its employees to partake in responsible tree planting and environmental conservation.
KCB Divisional Director Public Affairs and Communications Kepha Bosire said the bank’s commitment to protect the environment will go a long way towards conserving the environment for the next generation.
Since the KCB Foundation was launched in 2007, it has spent about Kshs 300 million to support various community initiatives.
The Total Eco Challenge Awards has been running for the past eight years and has been honoring societies, small communities groups, schools as well as the high and mighty in the country. This year, 53 entrants were honored.
Total Kenya Chief Executive Alexis Vovk was encouraged by the turnout commending Kenyans for the solidarity they showed in planting trees. He targeted planting a hundred million trees to help the country achieve the five billion trees mark.
This article was originally posted on Africa Sustainable Energy & Environment Platform
Are you interested in Market Research, Recruitment and Business Leads?
Join the Africa Business Panel, powered by Africa Business Communities.
www.africabusinesspanel.com.