Nairobi: Investments and Mortgages (I and M) Bank, through its I and M Foundation, has committed Ksh162 million towards the first phase of 'Project Imarisha Ngong' Forest', a strategic environmental initiative aimed at fencing, restoring, and developing critical infrastructure within the Ngong' Forest. The unveiling ceremony, graced by outgoing Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Hon. Aden Duale, Executive Director I and M Bank Sarit Rajah-Shah, Kenya Forest Service Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko, and I and M Bank Founder and Chairman Emeritus S.BR Shah, among other senior Bank and I and M Foundation leaders, signals a bold step towards enhancing Nairobi's urban green spaces and improving air quality.
According to Kenya News Agency, the funds will directly support vital enhancements designed to protect and rehabilitate the forest ecosystem. Key developments of the project include the construction of rangers' housing with apartment units and three-bedroom bungalows to strengthen forest security; the drilling of boreholes and installation of water tanks to increase tree seedling survival rates, and the establishment of six modern ablution blocks for visitor convenience. Additionally, the installation of two new access gates at Southern Bypass and Kibera is set to improve security and accessibility.
The project aligns with Kenya's ambitious goal of growing 15 billion trees by 2032 to combat climate change and restore degraded land. 'Our commitment to a greener future has shaped our corporate iMara Strategy, ensuring sustainability remains at the core of our business. Through projects like Ngong Forest, we aim to positively impact 10 million lives by 2026. This is just the beginning and we invite like-minded organisations to join us in these efforts,' Sarit Raja-Shah urged.
Initiated through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in April 2024 between I and M Foundation and KFS, the project has made remarkable strides in the past year. Achievements include engaging communities across Dagoretti South, Kibera, and Lang'ata in public participation exercises, securing an Environmental Impact Assessment license from the National Environment Management Authority, creating 682 jobs by clearing invasive species and expanding trails, rehabilitating 3 hectares of degraded forest, installing 5km of electrified fencing, and developing 35km of nature trails.
Kenya Forest Service Chief Conservator of Forests, Alex Lemarkoko, noted, 'By revitalising this urban woodland, we ease pressure on Karura Forest, which receives over 70,000 visitors monthly, and provide Nairobi residents with an expanded green space for recreational and educational purposes. This sanctuary is not just a forest; it is a critical ecosystem at the heart of Nairobi.'
As I and M Foundation celebrates five years of impact, it continues to channel 2 percent of I and M Bank's annual Profit Before Tax towards initiatives that create lasting social and environmental change, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in Environmental Conservation projects across Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Mauritius.