The Soroptimist International Africa Federation (SIAF) has officially launched an ambitious environmental restoration initiative that promises to transform landscapes across the continent. The “Greening Our Horizons: Soroptimists Leading the Way” project kicked off with its first tree-planting activation at Kabete Rehabilitation School on Saturday, May 24, 2025.
A Promise to Africa’s Future
“Today, we take root—literally and symbolically,” declared Mary Muia, President of SIAF, during the launch event. “This is not just a project—it is a promise. A promise to our children that they will inherit more than we found. A promise to our land that we will restore what has been stripped. And a promise to ourselves that we will lead with bold care and lasting vision.”
The initiative aims to plant 500,000 trees, fruits, and vegetables across Africa by 2027, beginning with 3,000 seedlings at the Kabete Rehabilitation School. This location was specifically chosen to benefit children in vulnerable situations, allowing them to grow up surrounded by life rather than concrete and pollution.
Women-Led Environmental Action
Soroptimist International, a global network of women volunteers working to transform the lives of women and girls, has made environmental sustainability a core focus area. Through its network of approximately 75,000 club members across 121 countries, the organization works at local, national, and international levels to educate, empower, and enable opportunities for women and girls.
“We are women of action,” emphasized Jesca Oredo, President of Soroptimist International Union of Kenya (SIUK). “Through our programmatic work across the country, we are committed to protecting and restoring the environment—and there is no better symbol of that commitment than the act of planting a tree.”
The project is backed by all 14 SI clubs in Kenya and supported by the Union, demonstrating the collective power of women-led environmental initiatives.
Legal Framework and Community Empowerment
The SIAF has developed a legally aligned, women-led strategy that includes:
1.Legal Mapping and Community Group Recognition: Formally registering women-led and elder-led groups as Community Forest Associations (CFAs), giving them legal authority to co-manage forests and nurseries.
2.Policy-Aligned Project Design and Budgeting: Integrating the initiative into County Climate Change Action Plans (CCCAPs), making projects eligible for climate finance and partnerships under Kenya’s National Climate Change Fund.
3.Legal Compliance-Based Impact Tracking: Establishing a transparent monitoring framework aligned with environmental audit guidelines to report on tree cover, soil health, and biodiversity.
“Let us remember: the law is not a barrier—it is a pathway,” Muia noted.
Why Trees Matter
One mature tree absorbs approximately 48 pounds of carbon dioxide per year—a life-saving fact in our current climate crisis. The 100,000 trees planned for institutional forests at Kabete and Kirigiti Children’s Rehabilitation Centres will clean the air, cool cities, protect biodiversity, reduce flooding, and offer fruit, shade, and dignity to the children and communities that nurture them.
“We’re not just planting trees,” explained a Soroptimist representative. “We’re planting resilience, dignity, and opportunity.”
Join Us: Do Your Part
The Kabete Tree-Planting Activation is just the beginning of this transformative journey. Here’s how you can participate:
•Attend the Event: Join us at Kabete Rehabilitation School, Lower Kabete, on Saturday, May 24, 2025, starting at 9:00 AM.
•Donate: Can’t attend but want to contribute? Pledge KSh500 for a seedling through Paybill No.: 522522, Account No.: 1264574347, or contact nairobicentral@soroptimist.org.
•Spread the Word: Share this initiative with your networks and encourage others to join the movement.
“As you plant your seedling, pause and reflect: What future do you want to grow?” asks Muia. “Let us plant generously. Let us grow boldly. Let us lead the way.”
