NAIROBI, Kenya, May 14 – Corporations and private entities in the country have been urged to undertake environmental conservation and integrate climate-oriented projects as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Speaking during a tree planting exercise in Muumandu Forest, Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti said climate change was real and called on Kenyans to come out in large numbers to plant trees as one way of combating the effects of climate change.

“Close to 11 million trees have been planted in Machakos County since devolution started. This shows that devolution is working. Devolution is where the people are and where the impact should be felt,” she said.

Wavinya said there was a need for collaboration and goodwill by both levels of government, the community, and corporations to conserve the environment.

She cited the recent devastating floods experienced in Machakos County and other parts of the country as an indicator of the urgency needed for environmental conservation.

Among the corporations that took part in the tree planting exercise were PrideInn Hotels, Resorts & Camps, which have been involved in environmental CSR initiatives.

Winnie Wanjohi, the Regional Marketing Manager for Nairobi, Machakos, and the Mara said the hotel chain was involving the community in creating a culture of shared responsibility and environmental stewardship.

“Together, we commit to monthly tree planting, river cleanup, and climate education efforts, spreading green initiatives across Nairobi, Mombasa, Machakos and beyond,” she said.

Wanjohi emphasized the broader impact of these cleanups: “Our cleanup efforts are about more than just removing trash; they are about instilling a sense of responsibility and care for our natural resources in the community.”

The Kenyan government has championed tree growing and other ecosystem restoration efforts so as to lessen the severity of extreme weather events, including cyclic droughts and floods occasioned by the worsening global climate crisis.