Old Mutual to plant 3 million trees by 2033

By Peter Ochieng

Old Mutual Group has embarked on an ambitious project of planting 3 million trees, within the next 10 years.

The project will be implemented alongside its subsidiary Faulu Microfinance Bank, as part of the company's broader climate action and sustainability strategy.

This year, the Group intends to plant a minimum of 20,000 trees in the Aberdare National Park and monitor their progress, through partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

Old Mutual Group East Africa CEO Arthur Oginga in a statement said they are committed to promoting environmental sustainability.

"As a responsible business, we are committed to promoting environmental sustainability and conservation efforts in Kenya. Our partnership with Kenya Wildlife Services to rehabilitate Aberdare National Park is a demonstration of our dedication to creating a better world for future generations."

"Through this tree planting exercise, we hope to restore the park's ecosystem and preserve its biodiversity, making it a vibrant natural habitat for wildlife and a source of livelihood for surrounding communities," added Oginga.

Oginga said Old Mutuals' targets are guided by the Group’s Climate Change Action strategy.

On the other hand, Dickson Ritan, KWS Director Wildlife and Community Services noted that this partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration in achieving shared goals of a sustainable future for Kenya.

“As partners in this tree-planting exercise, we at KWS are committed to ensuring that these trees are not only planted but are also monitored and maintained to guarantee their long-term survival. We recognize the critical role that these trees play in preserving the environment and conserving our wildlife, and we will work closely with Old Mutual Group and other stakeholders to ensure that they are well taken care of."

As part of its broader climate action strategy, Old Mutual has so far planted approximately 200,000 trees not just in the Aberdare Range, but as well in other regions across Kenya.