On Saturday 24 May 2025, the grounds of Kabete Rehabilitation School became a centre of environmental action as the Soroptimist International Union of Kenya, in collaboration with all 14 Soroptimist clubs nationwide, launched the “Greening Our Horizons: Soroptimists Leading the Way’ project. The launch at Kabete marked the beginning of a long-term commitment by Soroptimist clubs in Kenya to protect our planet and prepare future generations for a sustainable tomorrow.
This ambitious initiative aims to plant 100,000 indigenous trees in institutional forests at Kabete and Kirigiti Rehabilitation Schools promoting global environmental impact through local action. The project supports SI President Siew Yong Gnanalingam’s environmental theme, ‘Plant a Tree, Grow a Forest’.
Proudly funded by Soroptimist International Foundation, this initiative showcases a united effort to combat climate change and restore ecosystems. The ‘Greening Our Horizons’ project aligns seamlessly with Soroptimist International’s mission to educate, empower and enable women and girls. By fostering environmental awareness, creating green job opportunities and promoting climate education, the project not only nurtures ecological resilience but also strengthens the leadership and agency of women and girls at community level. It embodies the belief that when women and girls are equipped with knowledge and opportunity, they become powerful drivers of sustainable change—for their communities and for the planet.
Rose Oteri, President Elect of SI Club Nairobi Central, which is leading the project, shared her reflections on the significance of this bold, collective step forward. She said “We’re not just planting trees. We’re planting resilience, dignity, and opportunity”.
Through this project:
- Women and youths are empowered through meaningful green job opportunities
- Schools serve as vibrant centres for climate education and environmental stewardship
- Food security and biodiversity opportunities are enhanced through sustainable practices
- Communities are able to reconnect with and restore their natural heritage
This project represents Kenya’s vital contribution to a worldwide call for environmental stewardship and climate resilience—a movement led by women and rooted in community action. Mr. Philip Nzenge attended to represent Ms. Caren Angego, the Principal Secretary, State Department for Children Welfare Services. He read out a speech from Ms. Angego, which underscored the alignment between the project’s vision — ‘Greening Our Horizons: Communities Leading the Way’— and the Kenyan government’s call for integrated policy action. The initiative reinforces the urgent need for collaboration among government, civil society and the private sector in advancing the national goal of growing 15 billion trees.
In her speech the Principal Secretary issued a powerful challenge: to invest in environmental education and embed a culture of conservation within our school curricula — equipping future generations with both the knowledge and the responsibility to safeguard our planet. This is no longer merely an environmental agenda; it is a developmental imperative. A call to action on food security, economic empowerment, climate resilience and social inclusion.
With every seedling planted, the message resonated loud and clear: Soroptimists are at the forefront of climate action. This was more than a local event—it is a vital step in a continental mission to plant 500,000 trees across Africa by 2027, contributing meaningfully to climate resilience, biodiversity, and community empowerment. Jesca Oredo, President of Soroptimist International Union of Kenya said: “Every tree we plant today is a living promise for tomorrow”.
The trees planted are more than just symbols — they are living solutions. They will purify the air, restore fragile ecosystems, reduce the risk of flooding, provide shade and nourishment, and most importantly, bring dignity, healing and hope to children in rehabilitation centres and the communities that stand beside them.
Mary Muia, President of Soroptimist International Africa Federation (SIAF), emphasised:
“To everyone who joined us on Saturday—thank you for making this dream come true. Your hands planted more than trees; they planted hope, justice and a new legacy for Kenya. We walk forward, united with Soroptimists around the world, proudly contributing to the global ‘Greening Our Horizons’ movement led by President Siew Yong and Soroptimist International Foundation. We plant not only trees, but a vision of what Africa’s women can do—when we are bold, when we are united, and when we lead. As we plant these trees together today, let us remember: we are not just growing forests — we are growing futures”.
Thank you to President Mary Muia of SIAF for the information and photographs supplied for this news story.
Leave a Reply