Haleon Kenya has formalised a three-year partnership with the Upper Tana–Nairobi Water Fund Trust (UTNWFT) to support conservation and sustainable farming interventions in the Upper Tana watershed, a catchment the trust says supplies approximately 95% of Nairobi’s water and around 50% of Kenya’s hydropower.

The partnership was announced on 18 June 2026 in Nairobi and marked by the public signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations, according to a statement issued by Haleon and UTNWFT. The initiative focuses on watershed restoration, sustainable land and water management, and community-led conservation, with the stated goal of improving long-term water security.

The partners said the programme will work with 7,660 smallholder farmers and target improved management across 131 hectares of farmland, alongside the restoration of 1.5 kilometres of riparian corridors. Planned interventions include agroforestry, soil conservation terraces, grass strips on farmland, riparian buffer restoration, farmer training and extension support, according to the press release.

Haleon said the project is expected to generate approximately 76,000 cubic metres of water replenishment per year attributable to the company by year three. The estimate is based on Volumetric Water Benefit Accounting (VWBA) and the Curve Number hydrological method, the statement said, and is intended to support Haleon’s water neutrality goal for its Nairobi site.

“Water is fundamental to health, communities, and sustainable growth. Through this partnership with the Upper Tana–Nairobi Water Fund Trust, Haleon is proud to support practical, nature-based solutions that help protect vital water resources while strengthening resilience for communities across the Upper Tana watershed,” said Himanshu Raj, General Manager at Haleon Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Upper Tana catchment has come under pressure from land degradation, population growth and climate variability, according to the partners. The statement linked unsustainable farming on steep slopes to soil erosion and sedimentation in rivers and reservoirs, which it said can raise water treatment costs and reduce productivity for smallholder farmers.

Patrick Nyaga, Chief Executive Officer of the Upper Tana-Nairobi Water Fund Trust, said the collaboration will focus on measurable outcomes. “Through this partnership with Haleon, we are advancing our shared commitment to water stewardship by working collaboratively, investing in practical solutions that are tied to robust measurement. Ultimately, it’s about investing in solutions that deliver lasting value for communities, businesses, and the environment,” Nyaga said.

For Kenyan businesses and utilities, catchment health has direct cost implications because higher sediment loads can increase downstream water treatment requirements and affect storage capacity in reservoirs. While the partners did not disclose the value of Haleon’s investment, they said the initiative aims to reduce sediment loads and downstream treatment costs while also supporting farm productivity and incomes upstream.

The announcement adds to a growing trend of private-sector participation in catchment protection as water security becomes a more material operational risk for manufacturers and service providers in Nairobi and across the country. With Nairobi’s water supply heavily reliant on the Upper Tana system, sustained degradation of the catchment can also translate into supply disruptions that affect industrial users and household consumption.

Over the three-year term, the partners said progress will be tracked using the stated accounting and hydrological methods to quantify water benefits. The next milestone will be implementation of the on-farm and riparian restoration activities across targeted areas of the Upper Tana watershed, with annual replenishment impacts expected to build toward the year-three estimate.

KCB Group Plc says it disbursed KSh48.8 billion in green financing in 2025 to support projects in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green buildings, clean transportation, water management and climate-smart investments. The lender also screened KSh587.9 billion worth of transactions under its Environmental and Social Due Diligence framework across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda, according to its 2025 Sustainability Report.

KCB said KSh9.9 billion of the green financing was independently verified as climate-eligible using the Climate Assessment for Financial Institutions (CAFI) tool. The bank added that the screening and lending activity helped it surpass a strategic target of allocating 25% of total lending to green projects, reaching 25.84% in 2025, up from 21.6% in 2024.

The disclosures are contained in the 2025 KCB Group Sustainability Report themed Transitioning Economies, which KCB said was published alongside its 2025 Integrated Report.

For Kenya’s banking sector, the figures add to a growing focus on sustainable finance and climate-risk management, driven by investor expectations, shifting regulation, and demand for capital to fund clean energy and climate adaptation projects. KCB’s footprint in multiple East African markets also means its screening framework can influence risk assessment practices for cross-border lending and large transaction volumes.

Paul Russo, KCB Group Chief Executive Officer, said the lender is aligning financing decisions and business strategy to support climate resilience and sustainable enterprise growth across its markets. “KCB seeks to be a bigger player in shaping a robust and sustainable financial ecosystem throughout East Africa by continuously developing tailored green financing solutions for MSMEs, households, and corporates in order to support the adoption of sustainable practices across key sectors,” Russo said.

KCB also reported progress on operational sustainability and social impact initiatives. It said it exceeded its 2025 tree-planting target of 1.5 million, planting more than 3.5 million trees in 2025 through more than 200 regionwide events in collaboration with 1,778 schools and other partners.

In the education sector, KCB said it supported 266 schools to adopt cleaner cooking systems under its Learning Institutions Customer Value Proposition, backed by KSh782.5 million in financing, aimed at reducing reliance on traditional biomass fuels.

On branch operations, KCB said solar installations were operational in 16 branches across the group, including Maasai Mara, Wajir, Mandera, Watamu, Lamu, Loitoktok, Kakuma and Namanga, as well as the Karen Leadership Centre. The lender said it plans to expand solar power to 30 additional branches in 2026.

KCB attributed a 2% reduction in resource use for fuel and electricity to these efforts, contributing to an overall 13% reduction in emissions across the group.

Through KCB Foundation programmes, the group said over 265,300 jobs were supported, while 16,549 youth benefited from workforce readiness and skills development initiatives. It also said 38,635 youth-led businesses received business development support under the 2Jiajiri Young Africa Works programme, and that it has supported a total of 67,090 businesses.

On inclusive finance, KCB said it disbursed KSh149 billion to women-led businesses through its Female-Led and Made Enterprise (FLME) programme, as part of a five-year commitment to unlock KSh250 billion in financing for women entrepreneurs and enterprises. The group also said 20,299 refugees gained access to formal banking services and that it disbursed KSh71.4 million in loans to refugee entrepreneurs, leveraging UNHCR identification documentation.

KCB said the 2025 sustainability report is its third to undergo a limited assurance review and was prepared in reference to IFRS S1 and S2 Standards, as part of what it described as early voluntary adoption ahead of a mandatory deadline set for the 2027 reporting period.

Looking ahead, the lender’s planned rollout of solar to additional branches and continued expansion of green lending will be watched as banks across Kenya and the region face pressure to demonstrate measurable progress on climate risk, sustainable finance allocation and disclosure standards.

LG Electronics East Africa, in partnership with the Ngong Hills Metro Community Forest Association (CFA) and Tree Niches, planted more than 300 indigenous trees at Ngong Hills Forest on June 6, 2026, as part of efforts to restore degraded sections of a key water catchment ecosystem near Nairobi.

In a statement, the company said the activity took place in Ngong, about 25 kilometres southwest of Nairobi, in the 7,000-acre Ngong Hills Forest. LG said the forest supports communities across Nairobi, Kajiado, Kiambu and neighbouring counties as a water catchment area, and is also a recreation destination.

The tree-planting exercise comes as Kenya faces environmental degradation pressures that include “declining forest cover, biodiversity loss, prolonged droughts, flooding and increasing pressure on critical water catchment areas,” according to the press release. The company cited threats to indigenous forests from illegal logging, encroachment, charcoal production, overgrazing and unsustainable land-use practices.

LG said the 2026 activity builds on a restoration programme it launched with partners in 2025. During last year’s initiative, the partners planted more than 300 indigenous seedlings in degraded sections of the forest. Follow-up monitoring showed 252 trees survived, which LG and its partners put at an 84% survival rate.

“Last year, together with our partners, we planted more than 300 indigenous trees in this forest. We are pleased that 252 of those seedlings survived, achieving an 84 percent survival rate,” said Donghun Lee, President of LG Electronics East Africa. “That success demonstrates that meaningful restoration is possible when tree planting is followed by proper care and monitoring. It has also motivated us to return and plant another 300 trees as part of our long-term commitment to environmental sustainability.”

The company also donated four benches that it said will be installed at “strategic locations throughout the forest.” LG said the benches are intended to improve the experience of visitors and hikers and encourage appreciation for conservation.

Tree Niches said the initiative reflects the importance of ecosystem restoration through sustained collaboration. “Kenya has lost significant portions of its natural ecosystems over the years due to deforestation and land degradation. Every successful restoration project helps reverse that trend,” said Dr. Solomon Kipkoech, Co-founder and Director of Tree Niches. “The impact of such initiatives go beyond the trees planted to demonstrate the value of sustained partnerships and community-led conservation.”

For Kenya’s business landscape, corporate participation in forest restoration has become increasingly visible as climate variability affects sectors such as agriculture, energy, insurance and tourism. Water catchments near major urban centres also have direct implications for industrial and household water availability, and for operational risk management for companies with supply chains dependent on water resources.

The reported 84% survival rate from the 2025 planting, if sustained in subsequent seasons, could be significant because survival rates—rather than planting numbers—determine whether restoration projects translate into lasting canopy recovery. However, survival outcomes can vary with rainfall patterns, species selection and long-term maintenance, meaning continued monitoring will remain central to assessing impact.

LG said it will now be responsible for more than 520 trees grown at Ngong Hills Forest over a two-year period, based on the 252 surviving seedlings from 2025 and the new planting in 2026. The partners did not disclose the budget or cost of the programme. Next milestones are likely to include follow-up maintenance and survival audits of the newly planted trees, as well as installation of the benches at designated sites in the forest, according to the statement.

Koelel Forces Academy from Gilgil has won the inaugural KCB WRC Green Debate, an education-focused sustainability programme hosted alongside the 2026 Safari Rally Kenya, according to a statement issued by the organisers.

The final was held at Naivasha Girls High School and brought together 32 schools from Nairobi and Nakuru regions, with debate topics covering corporate governance, clean energy, sustainable finance, environmental conservation and social responsibility, the statement said. Murang’a High School finished first runners-up, while Utumishi Boys Academy took third place.

KCB awarded cash prizes to the top three schools to support sustainability projects led by their debate clubs: KES 90,000 for Koelel Forces Academy, KES 60,000 for Murang’a High School and KES 30,000 for Utumishi Boys Academy, according to the statement. The organisers said the funds will support activities such as tree-planting drives, environmental awareness campaigns, waste management programmes and community clean-up initiatives. All participating schools also received trophies, certificates and branded merchandise.

Koelel’s debate patron, Margaret Gakii, said the series stood out from regular inter-school debate circuits because it focused on climate and sustainability. “Debate Circle hosts debates throughout the year, but this series was unique because it focused specifically on sustainability and climate issues. It challenged our students to think critically about the future and the role young people can play in protecting the environment,” Gakii said.

KCB Naivasha Branch Manager Zacharia Njeru linked the debate series to the lender’s broader sustainability priorities. “At KCB, sustainability is embedded in our strategy. We are investing in green financing, supporting clean energy solutions, and advancing sustainable finance. However, policies and financing alone are not enough. We also need innovative ideas and young leaders who are ready to champion sustainable development,” Njeru said.

The Green Debate was organised in partnership with Debate Circle and Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen), the statement said, positioning it within a wider push by corporate and institutional actors to shape environmental awareness among young people.

For Kenya’s business landscape, the initiative reflects how major brands continue to integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) themes into high-profile events such as the Safari Rally, which attracts local and international audiences and creates opportunities for community engagement and reputational positioning. It also underscores a growing emphasis on sustainability education and youth-led projects, which can influence future consumer and workforce expectations in sectors such as banking, energy and manufacturing.

The statement also highlighted KCB’s sustainability activities linked to the Safari Rally since its return to Kenya in 2021, saying the bank has planted more than 3,000 trees with local schools and implemented waste management programmes. During the recent rally, the statement said more than two tonnes of mixed waste were collected at stages including Kedong, Sleeping Warrior and Elementaita, and is being sorted and recycled through partners.

Looking ahead, the debate series is likely to continue as part of the rally’s calendar of associated activities, as organisers and partners align with global motorsport sustainability initiatives. The statement cited the WRC Promoter Beyond initiative, which it said works with stakeholders including the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), event organisers, teams, suppliers and local governments to raise environmental consciousness around motorsport’s footprint.

Koelel Forces Academy has been named the winner of the KCB WRC Green Debate, a schools’ debate competition held alongside the sustainability activities of the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally, according to a statement shared by the organisers.

The finals brought together schools that advanced through knockout rounds held in Nairobi and Nakuru, with students debating sustainability topics including corporate governance, clean energy, sustainable finance and social responsibility.

Murang’a High School finished as first runners-up, while Utumishi Boys Academy placed third.

The winners received cash awards totalling KES 180,000. Koelel Forces Academy received KES 90,000, Murang’a High School received KES 60,000, and Utumishi Boys Academy received KES 30,000, the statement said. The prize money will be used by the schools’ debate clubs to support sustainability initiatives within their institutions. The schools also received trophies and KCB-branded merchandise, while all participating students were awarded certificates.

The debate series engaged schools from Nairobi and Nakuru regions and aimed to provide students with a platform to discuss environmental and social issues affecting their communities. Organisers said the debates focused on practical ideas around climate action, conservation and responsible leadership.

Zacharia Njeru, KCB Naivasha Branch Manager, said the debate programme ties into the lender’s broader sustainability positioning.

“At KCB, sustainability is embedded in our strategy. We are investing in green financing, supporting clean energy solutions and advancing sustainable finance. However, policies and financing alone are not enough. We also need innovative ideas and young leaders who are ready to champion sustainable development,” Njeru said.

The Green Debate was organised with support from Debate Circle and KenGen, which partnered with KCB to engage students and encourage discussions on environmental responsibility and sustainable development, according to the statement.

For Kenya’s business landscape, initiatives that connect financial institutions, state-linked utilities and education programmes reflect a growing emphasis on sustainability literacy as climate-related risks increasingly shape investment decisions, financing terms and corporate governance expectations. By linking the programme to the WRC Safari Rally calendar, the organisers also anchored sustainability messaging to a high-profile event that attracts local and international attention, offering an avenue for corporate and community engagement.

Going forward, the organisers are expected to continue leveraging the schools’ debate club networks to implement the planned sustainability projects funded by the awards, while KCB and its partners expand community-facing sustainability initiatives linked to major national events.