Climate change remains one of the most pressing challenges of our time, threatening the livelihoods and well-being of communities across the globe.

As the world grapples with its impacts, Equity Group has continued to champion sustainability through a nationwide tree-planting initiative. This effort, launched ahead of World Teachers’ Day on October 5, aims to secure a greener, healthier future for generations to come.

Speaking during the launch of the week-long initiative, Ambassador Mary Mugwanja, Associate Director for Public Sector and Institutions at Equity Group, emphasized the institution’s unwavering commitment to environmental conservation.

“As Equity, we celebrate teachers not only as shapers of knowledge but also as champions of sustainability. We are involved in tree planting to drive sustainability and environmental conservation. Our aim is to secure the future of our children by ensuring that they grow up, live, and thrive in an environment that is cleaner and better preserved,” she said.

Equity Group has pledged to provide tree seedlings to support teachers, students, and communities in this noble mission. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to align with global and national sustainability agendas, including Sustainable Development Goal 13, which calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

Equity Bank Kenya Associate Director, Public Sector and Institutions, Ambassador Mary Mugwanja plants a tree at Alliance High School during the launch of a weeklong country tree planting initiative by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) ahead of World Teachers Day celebrations. 

“By engaging young people in raising, planting, and nurturing exotic and fruit trees, we are creating livelihoods, promoting nutrition, and instilling responsibility for the environment,” added Ambassador Mugwanja.

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) joined hands with Equity Group in this effort, highlighting the vital role of educators in environmental stewardship. TSC Chairman Dr. Jamleck Muturi highlighted the unique position teachers hold in shaping not only the character of learners but also the sustainability mindset of entire communities.

“Climate change remains a major threat to Africa’s pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals. Conservation calls for collective responsibility because it’s not only a sustainability effort but also a patriotic duty for securing the future for generations to come,” said Dr. Muturi.

Equity Group’s tree-planting initiative is not only a response to the global climate crisis but also a testament to its commitment to empowering youth and communities. Ambassador Mugwanja noted, “This effort also aligns with our youth empowerment agenda. By engaging young people in raising, planting, and nurturing exotic and fruit trees, we are creating livelihoods, promoting nutrition, and instilling responsibility for the environment.”

The importance of tree planting is further emphasized in the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025, which highlights that afforestation and forest restoration are critical to halting deforestation and reducing carbon emissions.

According to the report that global deforestation rates have slowed from 12 million hectares per year (2010–2015) to 10 million (2015–2020), and land restoration commitments have pledged to restore over 1 billion hectares globally, with significant efforts in sub-Saharan Africa.

Restoration investments are shown to yield substantial returns, with each dollar invested delivering $7–$30 in benefits. Initiatives by Equity Group, other corporates and individuals are a vital contribution to these global efforts, demonstrating how local actions can align with international goals to combat climate change and protect biodiversity.

Beyond tree planting, Equity continues to support the education sector through flagship programs such as Wings to Fly and the Equity Leadership Program, which have helped thousands of bright but needy students pursue their dreams.

“Our Equity Afya franchise model, spread across the country, is another shining example of education transforming into sustainable impact. We are equally proud of our support to the Kenya Music and Drama Festivals, where we celebrate and nurture the talent, creativity, and cultural pride of our young people,” said Ambassador Mugwanja.