KEBS Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) aims to positively impact society through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. These initiatives reflect societal expectations within the organization’s sphere at any given time, with the primary objective of contributing to sustainable development.

KEBS CSR programs are designed to support the organizational mandate of standardization, including capacity-building programs on conformity assessment and standardization as a whole. These programs are often carried out in conjunction with various community support projects.

KEBS Adopts Hombe Forest in Mt. Kenya

In partnership with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), KEBS has identified a depleted 7.5-hectare section of forest at Sagana Block Compartment 4 in Hombe Forest Station that requires rehabilitation. As part of their CSR activities for the financial year 2020/2021, KEBS has committed to planting over 16,800 trees in two phases and maintaining them for five years.

The tree-planting event was flagged off on November 12, 2020, by NSC Chairman Eng. Bernard Ngore and Head of Conservation Central Region Mr. Samuel Ihure. During the event, Eng. Ngore quoted the late Wangari Maathai: “Until you dig a hole, plant a tree, water it, and make it survive, you have not done a thing.” He urged everyone to make a habit of planting more trees, emphasizing their importance for survival.

KEBS’ main activities at the adopted site include procuring indigenous tree seedlings, site preparation, tree planting, weeding/creeper cutting, beating up, and protecting the trees from any form of damage, including fires.

KFS has committed to providing a link to the Community Forest Association, which will supply labor and ensure that the trees planted are maintained and protected from any destruction.

National Commitment to Increasing Tree Cover

The Constitution of Kenya, Kenya Vision 2030, the National Forest Programme, and the National Strategy for Achieving and Maintaining 10% National Tree Cover, among other national development blueprints, stipulate that tree cover must be increased and maintained to at least 10% of the country’s land area. This is essential for forests to support the growth of the national economy by supplying forest goods and services. The Government of Kenya, committed to achieving and maintaining 10% national forest cover, has directed all government ministries, departments, and agencies to participate in the tree-growing exercise.