The Maragoli Hills Community Forest Association organized a momentous event at Inyanza Primary School to spearhead the restoration of the Maragoli Hills. The primary objective of this event was to raise awareness about the critical impacts of climate change and the urgent need to restore the deforested Maragoli Hills. In addition, it aimed to promote understanding of the opportunities related to carbon credits and support the CFA’s ambitious goal of rehabilitating 460 hectares of degraded land.

On the 7th of October, 2023, our team participated in this event, joining hands with various partners, donors, and government agencies such as the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Kenya Water Towers Agency, Vihiga County, KEFRI (Kenya Forestry Research Institute), KFS (Kenya Forest Service), Kenya Air Force, KeRRA (Kenya Rural Roads Authority), KURA (Kenya Urban Roads Authority), KeNHA (Kenya National Highways Authority), Seed Balls Kenya, Coca Cola, KCB Bank, and St. John’s Ambulance.

The event commenced with a marathon, symbolizing our collective commitment to the national initiative of planting 15 billion trees, which was launched by Hon. Mudavadi. Following the marathon, Hon. Mudavadi inaugurated the tree planting activity, signifying the official commencement of the restoration efforts.

As part of our contribution to this significant cause, Suni Smart Energy donated 1000 seedlings of various indigenous tree species, including Podocarpus, Acacia xanthophloea, Bischofia javanica, Markhamia lutea, Casuarina equisetifolia, Jacaranda mimosifolia, Syzygium cumini, Spathodea campanulata, Acacia mellifera, and Prunus africana. Our involvement extended beyond the donation, as we also raised awareness about the promising opportunities within the carbon credit domain. We emphasized the potential for government entities, private organizations, and local communities to participate in carbon credit initiatives, highlighting the ecological and financial benefits associated with such engagement.

Looking to the future, the Maragoli Hills Community Forest Association has outlined two key conservation efforts. Firstly, they plan to install an electric fence around the hills by June 8, 2024, to minimize unauthorized entry and disturbances. Secondly, they aim to explore carbon trading opportunities, with the goal of trading the carbon credits generated from the restoration of 460 hectares of land. These future endeavors are vital steps toward securing the long-term health and sustainability of the Maragoli Hills ecosystem.

At Suni Smart Energy, we are proud to have played a part in this essential environmental initiative and look forward to continued collaboration in safeguarding the Maragoli Hills for future generations.