The Gakami Mustard Seed Foundation is steadily emerging as a key grassroots partner in Kenya’s environmental conservation and climate resilience efforts, with a bold commitment to community empowerment, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable development.
Anchored in the belief that environmental protection and socio-economic wellbeing are deeply interconnected, the Foundation has set an ambitious target to plant 15 million trees in support of the Presidential National Tree Growing and Restoration Campaign. This national initiative aims to see 15 billion trees planted across Kenya and increase the country’s forest cover to 30 percent by the year 2032.
A Vision Rooted in Sustainability and Community Impact
The Foundation’s tree-growing program goes beyond numbers. It prioritizes indigenous and fruit tree species, ensuring long-term ecological value while simultaneously enhancing food security, livelihoods, and climate change mitigation at the community level.
Through carefully coordinated planting and restoration activities, the Foundation addresses:
Climate change mitigation and adaptation
Restoration of degraded landscapes
Biodiversity conservation
Improved household nutrition and income generation
This integrated approach positions tree planting not only as an environmental intervention, but also as a practical tool for sustainable development.
Demonstrated Progress on the Ground
Under the leadership of Dr. Margaret Gakami, PhD, the Foundation has already recorded measurable impact. To date, over 500,000 assorted indigenous and fruit trees have been successfully planted across multiple regions of the country.
The leading beneficiary counties include Kajiado and Murang’a, where community participation has played a central role in ensuring tree survival, ownership, and long-term care. Local institutions, youth groups, and community leaders are actively engaged throughout the planting and nurturing process.
Leadership That Bridges Public Service and Environmental Stewardship
Dr. Margaret Gakami’s leadership brings a unique blend of public service experience, academic insight, and community engagement to the Foundation’s work. Her stewardship reflects a growing recognition that effective environmental action requires strong institutions, informed leadership, and inclusive partnerships.
By aligning conservation goals with national policy priorities and grassroots realities, the Foundation demonstrates how structured leadership can translate vision into tangible outcomes.
Call for Partnerships and Corporate Support
To achieve its 15-million-tree milestone, the Gakami Mustard Seed Foundation is actively inviting partnerships with:
Corporates and CSR programs
Non-governmental organizations
Development institutions
Community groups and well-wishers
Supporters can contribute through the sponsorship of tree seedlings at KSh 250 per seedling, directly enabling planting, community engagement, and post-planting care.
These partnerships play a critical role in scaling impact, strengthening community ownership, and accelerating progress toward national and global environmental goals.
Building a Sustainable Future Together
As Kenya intensifies conversations around climate resilience, environmental restoration, and sustainable livelihoods, the work of the Gakami Mustard Seed Foundation stands as a practical example of collective action with measurable results.
Through collaboration, shared responsibility, and long-term commitment, the Foundation continues to restore ecosystems, secure livelihoods, and lay the groundwork for a healthier, greener future for generations to come.
Since 2020, the Empowering Kangema Project has successfully planted over 100,000 trees, boasting an impressive 85% survival rate. This achievement reflects the dedication of local communities, volunteers, and environmental advocates working together to restore and protect Kangema’s natural ecosystem.