On 5^th June 2023, KEPSA Foundation in collaboration with Bidco Africa Limited, Mang’u High School, and other partners commemorated the 50^th World Environment Day (WED2023) through a tree planting event at Mangu High School, Kiambu County. The event further sought to raise awareness and encourage action for the planet's protection in line with WED's aim.

KEPSA Foundation was led by its Executive Director, Ms Gloria Ndekei, Bidco Africa was led by the Group Director, Mr Chris Diaz, and Mangu High School was led by the Chief Principal, Mr John Kuria. Other partners present included Women in Business, Mount Kenya University, Good Testimony Junior School Limited, and National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

Ms Ndekei in her remarks highlighted that the day’s activities were aligned with the Climate Action & Sustainability, and Partnerships & Community Outreach priority areas of KEPSA Foundation. She noted that the private sector has shifted to not only get concerned with the profits but also the relationship between the people and the planet owing to the realization that what happens on the planet is based on how people think about it. 

Further, Ms Ndekei hailed the tree planting initiative that was inaugurated at the school in 2018 where KEPSA Foundation and Bidco Africa Limited partnered with the school management and students through the Feed and Green Our Schools program to establish the fruit farm named the ‘orchard farm’ where over 400 Avocado seedlings were planted on two acres of land. The fruit trees since then not only serve to protect the environment but have equally been a source of nutrition to the learners and staff and serve as an alternative source of income to the schools thus contributing to food security. She further called upon everyone to replicate the growing of exotic trees, fruit trees, herbs, and vegetables in the environment near them.

The Bidco Africa Group Director, Mr. Chris Diaz in his remarks was happy to see the progress of the initiative that was established in 2018 and challenged the learners at Mang’u High School to tackle plastic solutions and grow trees towards achieving SDGs for they hold the key to a better future. Other speakers laid emphasis on the steps that can be taken to preserve the environment such as reducing single-use plastics, promoting education and awareness to empower plastic solutions, undertaking mentorship programs on environmental programs, collaboration and partnership to develop innovative solutions, and supporting recycling initiatives and research among others.

The event further strengthened the partnership between KEPSA Foundation and Bidco Africa Group and paved the way for future programs.