For many years a group of Kikuyu subsistence farmers living on the slopes of Mt. Kenya had been concerned about the piecemeal destruction of the surrounding forest as a result of corruption, illegal logging, firewood collection and cattle grazing. In 2003 they decided to put words into action. Inspired by the teachings of Wangari Maathai and the Kenyan Green Belt Movement they established a tree nursery. The group’s aim was to provide tree seedlings and to encourage their neighbours to plant these fast-growing seedlings on their land.
With the help of Joseph Wanjau, (owner of the Mt. Kenya Hostel), a committee was created and charity status within Kenya organised. The following rules were agreed:-
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Members of the Tree Project would agree to give one day a week to work in the nursery.
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Non-attendance on a work day, without good reason would incur a fine.
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Elections for the positions of chairman, treasurer and secretary would be held.
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New members would only be admitted with the consent of everyone.
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Minutes and accounts would be available for scrutiny in order to avoid accusations of corruption.
Initial attempts to sell the tree seedlings were unsuccessful, so the group decided to fulfil their vision by giving the young trees away. With practically no finance but large amounts of enthusiasm, the group continued to follow their aim of promoting a more sustainable use of wood. Following Bill’s visit in 2005 the decision was made to fund raise in the U.K. and make the organisation more financially secure.
