Environmentalist of the year 2023.

Environmentalist of the year 2023, Ildamat Ward.

For the second time in a raw, Naretmuj Environmental Conservation Group recognises Lawrence Konko as the Environmentalists of the year 2023, Ildamat ward, Narok East, Tom Kedoki came in second in a vote that went on within the ward.

Lawrence Konko

Lawrence Konko the founder of Greening Africa, has been instrumental in fulfilling Greening Africa mission toward making Narok East Green and sustainable through environmental education, planting of trees throughout Narok East, and their plan to plant trees in schools, health centres, churches and donating trees to the general community.

Lawrence Konko planting a tree in a school within Narok East.

The 25 year old machakos university graduate with a bachelor of science, (Political science and community resource management) and the current Ildamat ward administrator, a position entrusted to him by the current Narok County Government Governor, Hon. Keturet Ole Ntutu. The position as the ward administrator is really benefitting the community through creating a network with other organizations like ArbitragePay, Narok Gounty Government and other partner organisations.

Lawrence and Tom Kedoki at ildamat ward donating sanitary towels from ArbitragePay after a tree planting exercise. 

As explained by Lawrence, he says that through the Governor's support, Environmental Conservation within the ward has been easier and has eased his service to humanity not only through environmental conservation but also through supporting orphans in their schooling.

Tom Kedoki.

Lawrence Konko has spearheaded several environmental conservation activities within Narok East, this year alone, with the help of partner organisations, he has planted over 10,000 tree seedlings within the constituency, schools like Eor-ekule Primary, Ololpironito primary, Saleita Primary, Enooseyia Primary, Enooseyia secondary, schools in Suswa and Mosiro ward, Churches and Dams like Ololerai dam really benefited with the program. 

Tom Kedoki planting a tree at Ololerai Dam.

In his promise the previous year to empower youths within Narok county Kenya through taking practical environmental action like; 

• Fighting against deforestation, 

• Planting trees,

• Garbage collection and cleaning, 

He has mentored several youths who are now competing with him to make the environment better, Tom Kedoki one of his recruits who came second in a vote to find the environmentalists of the year 2023 Ildamat ward is really doing environmental conservation a favor, Tom the JKUAT graduate with Bsc. Information Technology is hardworking and passionate on issues environmental conservation, he believes that by planting trees, we can make a substantial positive impact on our surroundings and as part of this commitment, he is thrilled to say that once the fencing of the Lolerai Dam is completed, he will be initiating a significant nursery project, he aims to provide free trees to every household, with a minimum of five trees per household, both within and outside of Ntulele.

Tom Kedoki planting a tree in a church in Suswa.

Tom is an active Participant and has supported previous environmental exercises planned by Greening Africa or other organizations and has continuosly educated the community to Stay informed on issues environmental conservation. 

Having in mind the presidency plans to make Kenya Green, Lawrence Konko has promised to continue his mission on environmental conservation within Narok East, he is also ready to work with the Government or any organization that is willing to support the initiative.

Him having all the above achievements, Naretmuj Environmental Conservation Group couldn't resist recognising Lawrence Konko as the environmentalists of the year 2023 Ildamat Ward.

Narok East Environmental Conservation. Ildamat Ward,

Lawrence Konko, the super ward administrator, led a dedicated team on a mission to inspect former tree planting projects, donate, and plant new trees Concidering the rainy season.

Girls receiving sanitary towels during the tree planting exercise.

With unwavering commitment, the team visited Ntulele to inspect and plant more trees, Ololpironito primary school to plant trees as they donated sanitary towels and enooseyia primary school on the same mission.

Planting of more trees at Ntulele after the inspection of previous tree planting projects in the area.

The above efforts aims toward fulfilling Greening Africa mission toward making Narok East Green and sustainable through environmental education, planting of trees throughout Narok East, and their plan to plant trees in schools, health centres, churches and donating trees to the general community.

Students From Enooseyia receiving guest during the event.

Greening Africa wishes to appreciate the Governor Narok County Government Hon Ntutu , Ildamat ward MCA Hon kutinkala, Ildamatstudents association(ISA), ArbitragePay, Enduata TV, Naretmuj Environmental Conservation Group and Nobility group for supporting the event.

Kipelian, the CEO Enduata TV 

Lawrence konko promised to plant as much trees as possible before the end of this rainy season and welcomes anyone or any organization that is willing to support this venture.

Ole Kedoki, after planting and inspection of previous tree planting projects at Ntulele 

Narok East Environmental Conservation.Enooseyia Secondary School

Enooseyia Secondary School Environmental Day.

Greening Africa in partnership with ArbitragePay, Naretmuj Environmental Conservation Group and volunteer officials from Narok County Government visited Enooseyia secondary school with the aim to plant as much trees as possible.

Nominated MCA Catherine Kutinkala planting a Tree at Enooseyia Secondary School.

The organisations are working towards an environmentally sustain-able society, which is the ability to protect, preserve and restore mother nature's natural resources, it's also the ability of the earth’s natural and human cultural systems to survive and be able to adopt to changing environmental conditions indefinitely, an environmentally (sustain-able) society meets current and future besic resources needs of the people in just and equitable ways without compromising the environment for the betterment of our future generations. 

Enooseyia secondary school girls after receiving sanitary towels donated by partner organisation ArbitragePay.

Greening Africa and partner organisations cares about our future generations, that's why we strive to make a world a better place, we take responsibility to restore the environment and that's why Greening Africa and Naretmuj Environmental Conservation Group will continue to make Narok East Green and sustainable through environmental education, planting of trees throughout Narok East, and we shall plant trees in schools, health centres, churches and donating trees to the general community.

The great team that spearheaded Enooseyia secondary school environmental day.

Ildamat ward environmentalists of the year 2022, the current ildamat ward administrator and the founder Greening Africa planting a tree at Enooseyia secondary school.

Narok East environmental conservation. Enaramatishoreki.

 Enaramatishoreki Environmental Day.

With their theme NATURE CANNOT WAIT, Greening Africa in partnership with Tareto Africa, ArbitragePay, Naretmuj Environmental Conservation Group and volunteer officials from Narok County Government visited Enaramatishoreki Primary School for a tree planting exercise as they offer motivational talks and donate sanitary towels.

 

Brilliant Nchoe being assisted to plant a tree 

Those present included the nominated MCA Ildamat ward Catherine Kutinkala,

Hon Catherine Kutinkala planting a Tree 

Narok county government CEO youth affairs, gender and sports HON. Pessy Ntari 

CEO youth affairs, Pessy Ntari after planting a tree.

the Ildamat ward administrator and director Greening Africa Lawrence Konko,

Lawrence konko giving motivational talks

Director JohnMurunya (MAA),

Director John Murunya

 Chief Kutinkala, Chief Sambao, Brilliant Nchoe of Tareto Africa, Monica (Herbalists), Director Candy B (ArbitragePay)

The Director ArbitragePay, Candy B giving motivational talks.

The team promised to support enaramatishoreki girls in provision of sanitary towels after every two months as long as they take good care of the planted trees.

With greening africa and Naretmuj Environmental Conservation Group plans to make Narok East Green and sustainable through environmental education, planting of trees throughout Narok East, and their plan to plant trees in schools, health centres, churches and donating trees to the general community, the organisation will have the next event at Enooseyia Narok east.

The young boys also benefited with sports equipments.

Narok East Environmental Conservation. Olesharo Girls.

Greening Africa and Naretmuj Environmental Conservation Group is working towards making Narok East Green and sustainable through environmental education and planting of trees throughout Narok East, they plan to plant trees in schools, health centres, churches and donate trees to the general community.

Students from Olesharo Girls after receiving sanitary towels.

The organisations with Tareto Africa and ArbitragePay Company combined their efforts to donate sanitary towels as they planted trees at oloshiro Girls.

Ildamat ward administrator, Lawrence Konko after planting a tree at olesharo Girls.

Most young Maasai girls face a silent battle every month, Their dreams and aspirations are hindered by the lack of basic necessity (sanitary towels), Without the towels these girls miss school, face shame, and endure unhygienic conditions. By providing these girls with sanitary towels, we empower them to be comfortable and confident when pursuing their education.

Students planting trees 

The team leader and the current ildamat ward administrator Lawrence Konko is working hard towards making Narok east Green by making life more environmentally friendly through planting of trees,clean up exercises and conserving the existence ecosystem.

The team preparing to donate sanitary towels

Tree Seedling Business

The demand from a certain group of Kenyans to plant trees either for beauty, environmental conservation, business, or for their fruits and nuts has a great impact on the growth of tree seedling business and several farmers are making a kill.

Avocado tree seedling 

What to consider when starting a tree seedling business.

1. Capital: for a business to start up it needs money, this will depend on the size of nursery and the type of trees you are investing into, the source of seeds can also bring a big deference on the amount of investment required.

The total cost to raise seedlings varies from 5 ksh to 50 ksh depending on the variety, the care and the time needed for the seedlings to mature.

You can sale your seedling from 20 ksh to 1500ksh depending on the variety. 

Your total expense cost might rise if you are in a county where you will be required to build a green house.

You must also consider other aspects like transportation and marketing.

2. Land: you will need land to grow the seedlings, you will need to use personal land, buy land or lease land.

3. Water: you must consider a closer source of water because tree seedling need constant watering.

You might also need a water storage tank, an electric water pump or desel/petrol water pump.

4. Seeds and seedling varieties: you can get seeds from several sources but i would recommend getting certified seeds from outlets like the Kenya Forest Research Institute(KEFRI) in kabete.

One should also categorise the type and understand the different types of trees and their use, you must also understand your customers demand, some might need fruit or nut trees,others might want to plant for timber while others only want to beautify their homes.

5. Manure: you will need to use fertilizers from agrochemicals though i prefer using top soil, sand and organic manures.

6. Road: make sure the site has good access to a road to give customers easier farm access.

7. Tools & Human resource: you will need the right tools for specific purposes with the right, experienced personnel who understands how to run and take care of a tree nursery.

8. Certification: running a retail or wholesale nursery has to get Certification from the relevant authorities like the the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), the Kenya Forest Service, the Local County Government Licence where the cost varies from county to county.

Most tree seedlings take three weeks to complete germination, you then transfer them, wait for two months then the seedlings get ready for sale.

Narok East environmental conservation. Eor-Ekule Primary School Madaraka Day Celebrations.

Madaraka Day.

Greening Africa and Naretmuj Environmental Conservation Group, were represented at the 60th Madaraka day celebrations at Eor-ekule primary school Ildamat ward, Narok East, to support the Kenyan government aim to plant 15 billion trees by 2032.

Students and Narok East police officers planting trees during the 2023 Madaraka day celebrations.

The  restoration programme was launched at Ngong Hills Forest in an effort to combat the effects of climate change in the country on December 22, 2022, by President Ruto.

Tree planting exercise.

Madaraka Day (Self-Governance Day) is a national holiday that is celebrated every first June in every year within the Republic of Kenya. It commemorates the day in 1963 that Kenya attained internal self rule after being a British colony since 1920. 

The Headache Teacher Eor-ekule primary school, Madam Wamarite being helped to water a tree she planted.

Kenya only attained partial independence on this day in 1963 and did not become a fully established republic until about a year and a half later, on 12 December 1964. In recognition of that, Kenya also celebrates Jamhuri Day (Republic Day) on 12 December every year.

A grade 7 student planting a tree at their school(Eor-ekule primary school)

Concidering Greening Africa and Naretmuj Environmental Conservation Group plans to make Narok East Green and sustainable through environmental education and planting of trees throughout Narok East, and their plan to plant trees in schools, health centres, churches and donating trees to the general community, the organisations appreciates the effort the government has made to plant trees at Eor-ekule primary school during the Madaraka Day Celebrations where the event took place in Narok East.

Idamat ward Nominated MCA Catherine Kutinkala planting a Tree during the 2023 Madaraka Day event at Eor-ekule primary school.

Idamat ward MCA, Elijah Kutinkala during the Madaraka Day Celebrations at Eor-ekule primary school.

Commercial Tree Farming.

Tree's play a key role in social economic development contributing to a certain percentage of the kenyan GDP, it also supports both the urban and rural population through the provision of charcoal,wood and timber hence providing employment to a bigger potion of the population directly and indirectly.

Demand for charcoal, wood and timber has risen following the logging ban in public and community forest in 2018, which are the main sources of wood products in the country, therefore opening a door for commercial forestry to bridge the gap. Commercial Forestry will also lead to an increase in forest cover hence reducing the pressure on natural forest.

Commercial tree farming entails growing Trees for sale and wealth creation, which comes with several other benefits like helping fight global warming.

On this article we shall look into three ways to make money growing Trees.

1. Growing Trees for their fruits and nuts.

2. Growing Trees for timber

3. Growing Trees for firewood and charcoal.

Growing Trees for Fruits and nuts.

Fruit growing is one amongst the most profitable businesses in kenya,the demand for fruits is high, you will never miss fruits in an open air market in kenya.

Fruit trees are useful for food & wood, managing an orchard can be incredibly rewarding.

You will make profits from fruit trees depending on the type of fruits, season, demand and the current market price for the fruit involved.

Growing Trees for timber.

The initial cost involved and the patience to wait for the trees to mature can be intimidating, but after the long wait, planning and setup are out of the way, profits become steady and predictable, many timber products are valuable with hungry markets looking to buy.

When growing Tree's for timber, you must consider the speed of growth,the quality and value of the harvested timber, you can decide to plant hard wood which take too long to mature but with the best wood quality  or soft wood which are fast growing but the quality will depend on the type of tree you invested into.

Approximate cost involved and expected returns( in this case we shall use Eucalyptus/blue gum)

The Approximate cost of Planting and managing per acre is 100,000 ksh(1000 dollars) and the Approximate returns per acre is 6 million ksh (60,000 dollars), this is after waiting for 10 years, this means that you were saving 50,000 ksh (500 dollars) per month.

List of the most profitable timber and fruit trees to grow in kenya.

1. Avocado Trees

Avocado trees, especially grafted ones are very profitable. Grafted avocado trees yield fruits within a short period, usually between 2-3 years. Avocados have high demand both locally and internationally. This means there is a ready market for the produce.

2. Eucalyptus

Also known as blue gum, eucalyptus is a fast-growing tree that is widely grown for timber. It can grow to a height of up to 50m. Its timber is widely loved and fetches good prices in the local market.

3. Mango Trees

Mango trees are one of the best and most profitable fruit trees to grow in Kenya. They are fast growing and produce high yields as long as proper farming methods are practised. Mangoes can earn you good profits as they have a high demand in the local and international markets.

4. Cypress

Cypress is a fast-growing tree that can earn a farmer good profit within a short period of time.

Cypress tree growing.

Cypress is widely used for roofing purposes, timber and for fencing.

5. Bamboo

Bamboo is a fast-growing indigenous tree that can be used for various purposes such as fencing, decoration, making furniture and construction projects. It takes a short period to mature and has a high demand.

6. Meru Oak

Meru Oak is considered an indigenous tree that is commonly used in making furniture. It is a fast-growing tree and a good source of firewood. It is locally known as muhuru tree.

7. Macadamia Trees

Macadamia trees are mainly grown for the production of nuts. Macadamia nuts have a high demand in the market. The trees take about 7 years to start yielding fruits. Locally, 1kg of the nuts is sold at Kshs 200.

8. Pine 

Pine is a fast growing timber tree that grows at a height of 2-3 feet per year. It is a good source of timber. Pine trees fetch very good prices in the country.

Growing Trees for firewood and charcoal.

Demand for charcoal and firewood in kenya has increased while deforestation continues hence the need to plant trees as a business venture which will be both beneficial financially and environmentally.

Charcoal provides more than 70 percent of the kenyan domestic demand for cooking and heating, creating a significant contribution to livelihood of hundreds and thousands of people both in rural and urban areas.

Charcoal is produced by burning wood under limited supply of oxygen( carbonisation) in kilns, the charcoal demand is mostly in urban centres where it is sold to wholesalers, retailers and vendors who in turn sale to consumers in smaller quantities.

Pricing for charcoal depends on the location, in urban areas it can be sold between 1500 ksh (15 dollars) to 2500 ksh(25 dollars) per bag.

While in rural areas it is sold between 400 ksh (4 Dollars) to 1000 ksh (10 dollars)  per bag.

While  venturing on the business, you must consider the kenyan laws and policies that were created after rampant destruction of forest. In 2018 the government imposed a ban on logging  and timber  harvesting which is due to end this year if the government doesn't renew the policy, production of charcoal for personal use remains legal, inter County transportation of charcoal is outlawed.

Congratulations Hassan Motonka.

 

Hassan Motonka 

After a successful monitoring exercise on the Growth of trees donated to the community by Greening Africa, we are happy and proud after finding out that 90% of the members of the community are protecting their tree seedling, 

Tree seedlings at Hassan Motonka Land

Naretmuj Environmental conservation and Greening Africa has no option but to congratulate one Hassan Motonka for protecting 100% of the tree seedlings donated to him, Congratulations Hassan Motonka.

Well protected tree seedlings by Hassan Motonka 

The organisation also thanks the monitoring team for supporting Greening Africa plans to make Narok East Green, sustainable through environmental education and planting of trees throughout Narok East and their plan to plant trees in schools, health centres, churches and donating trees to the general community.

Well protected tree seedling donated by Greening Africa to a member of the community 

The team noticed that most members of the community have Goats which feed on leaves, the 10% tree seedlings that didn't survive were as a result of Goats feeding on them, Naretmuj Environmental Conservation Group and Greening africa is requesting all members of the community to control their goat's not to feed on tree seedlings.

Tree seedlings donated at ildamat ward, Narok East.

Narok East Environmental Conservation Suswa

OIKE Pastor's Fellowship and Handing Over 

Greening Africa is honored to be one of the invitees at OIKE Pastor's Fellowship and Handing Over at the HEALING RIVER MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL CEREMONY on 8th April 2023.

Judy manangoi the secretary Greening Africa with Charity Kisotu planting trees.

Apart from Greening Africa, other environmental organisations like Naretmuj Environmental Conservation Group sent their representatives.

Bishop Kisotu with members of Greening Africa before the start of the tree planting exercise.

In attendance were; Mheshimiwa VC charity kisotu, Bishop kisotu (state house), Mheshimiwa Ipato,Hon karbuali,Hon kudate,Bishop Surum, Olarikoni onare (overseer), Chairman CDF, Bishops, pastors, chiefs and members of the community Suswa. 

Tree planting exercise.

The handing over ceremony went on perfectly well and Greening Africa were given a chance to give a brief talk on environmental conservation.

Siameto Shunet, Naretmuj Environmental Conservation representative planting a tree.

In his speech, Lawrence Konko insisted that we must do everything in our power to create a sustainable environment and slow down environmental degradation, he continued by saying that, "this is the only home we have and we must protect and save it. 

Lawrence Konko help out Olarikoni onare while planting trees at the church.

Concidering Greening Africa plans to make Narok County and the whole of Africa Green, sustainable through environmental education and planting of trees throughout Narok County and their plan to plant trees in schools, health centres, churches and donating trees to the general community, the Director Greening Africa donated and planted 250 tree seedlings within the church compound.

The Kedoki's were also present at the exercise.

.

Narok East environmental conservation. Suswa Duka Moja

  Ewang'an Dominion chapel.

Greening africa Founder; Lawrence Konko attended church service at Ewang'an Dominion Chapel Duka Moja, having in mind his initiative to make narok East Green.

A Sunday school kid planting a tree at Ewang'an Dominion Chapel Duka Moja.

They went ahead to plant and donate over 1000 tree seedlings within the church, every member of the community who were around took home at least 5 seedlings.

Members of Duka Moja community planting trees at Ewang'an Dominion Chapel Duka Moja.

Greening Africa plans to make Narok East Green and sustainable through environmental education and planting of trees throughout Narok East, they plan to plant trees in schools, health centres, churches and donating trees to the general community.

Happy members of Duka Moja community after receiving tree seedlings donated to them by Greening Africa to go and plant at home.

Greening africa later joined Hon karbuali, a Chief Officer at Narok County Government in his farm and planted a number of fruit trees. 

Hon Karbuali at his home after planting a tree.

In his speech at the church, Lawrence konko stated that,"God commissioned us to rule over the creation in a way that sustains,protects and enhances His works so that all creation may fulfill  the purposes God intended for."