A Historic Milestone for the Green a School Project

Today marked one of the most significant milestones in the history of our Green a School Project as Friends of Ondiri Wetland Kenya (FOWK), in partnership with the Nairobi Rivers Commission (NRC), officially launched this transformative initiative at Thogoto Teachers Training College.

We are deeply grateful to the Nairobi Rivers Commission, under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer, Brig. (Rtd.) Joseph Muracia, EBS, 'ndc', 'psc' (K), for sponsoring and leading this important exercise. The launch was held under the theme:

"Restoring the Source, Growing Our Future."

The event brought together ten learning institutions within the Ondiri Wetland catchment and officially kicked off an ambitious programme that will see 10,800 indigenous and fruit tree seedlings planted across schools in the upper Nairobi River Basin. The initiative is aimed at restoring the source of the Nairobi River while promoting environmental conservation, climate resilience, biodiversity restoration, and long-term food security.

In addition, hundreds of Hass avocado seedlings and indigenous trees were distributed to our partner institutions. As the rains begin, these seedlings will be planted and nurtured by environmental clubs and Climate WorX teams, creating greener learning institutions and healthier ecosystems.

This initiative directly supports H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto's 15 Billion Tree Growing Programme, while also creating future opportunities for schools through sustainable environmental investments, including potential carbon credit programmes, improved air quality, enhanced biodiversity, and increased climate resilience.

We were honoured by the presence of distinguished guests, including:

• Brig. (Rtd.) Joseph Muracia, CEO, Nairobi Rivers Commission.
• Dr. Charles Khalisa Dadu, Commissioner, Nairobi Rivers Commission.
• Commissioner Grace Senewa Mesopir, Nairobi Rivers Commission.
• Commissioner Rael Chebichii Lelei, Nairobi Rivers Commission.
• Members of the NRC Secretariat led by the CEO.
• Mr. John Maniafu.
• Mr. John Maniafu, County Director of Environment, NEMA Kiambu County, and his team.
• Mr. Matsinguru, Deputy Principal, Thogoto Teachers Training College.
• The representative of the Municipal Manager.
• Mr. David Wakogy Ndungu, Coordinator, Friends of Ondiri Wetland Kenya.
• Representatives from TARDA.
• Rotary Club of Kikuyu.
• The Ministry of Interior and National Administration represented by Area Chief Mr. Richard Njogu.
• Representatives from our partner schools.
• Dimkes SACCO.
• Blue Springs Water.
• Akiba SACCO.
• Many other partners and stakeholders committed to restoring the source of the Nairobi River.

This launch represents far more than a tree-planting event. It marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to restoring the Ondiri Wetland, the source of the Nairobi River, while empowering schools to become champions of environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Together, we are restoring the source, growing our future, and leaving a greener legacy for generations to come.

Click the link below to view today's photos and relive this historic occasion:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/R7WcZNwhJbNm61qY7

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