When the Michelle Makena Miriti Trust first launched the Bamboo Riverbank Restoration Project, it wasn’t just about planting trees. It was about restoring life — to our rivers, our communities, and our shared sense of responsibility for the environment.
🌱 Why Bamboo?
Makena believed deeply in caring for creation. She often said, “When we heal the earth, we heal ourselves.” Bamboo became our symbol of renewal — a resilient, fast-growing plant that prevents soil erosion, filters water, and provides sustainable livelihoods.
By planting bamboo along degraded riverbanks, we’re not only protecting vital water sources but also giving local youth new opportunities to earn income through propagation, maintenance, and crafts made from harvested bamboo.
💧 Restoring What Was Lost
In just one year, we’ve restored over one kilometre of riverbank, planting more than 1,200 bamboo seedlings along vulnerable sections prone to erosion and pollution.
Each planting day brings together volunteers, county officers, and community members — united by one mission: to keep our rivers alive.
Through collaboration with local environmental offices, youth groups have been trained in bamboo care and environmental management, creating green jobs while ensuring sustainability.
🌿 Beyond the Green
The Bamboo Project is about more than ecology — it’s about community. It brings people together in shared purpose, reminding us that change begins with small, steady acts of care.
Each seedling planted is a statement of hope — that our generation can restore balance and hand over a cleaner, greener Kenya to those who come after us.
🚜 The Journey Ahead
Despite our early success, the road ahead is long. Over 10 kilometres of riverbank still need rehabilitation.
We require approximately KES 10 million to fund seedlings, fencing, and ongoing maintenance — and we need volunteers to join our next wave of planting and awareness events.
💚 How You Can Be Part of the Change
- Donate: Sponsor bamboo seedlings, fencing, or eco-tools for restoration work.
- Volunteer: Join our next planting drive or community mobilization team.
- Partner: Collaborate as a school, company, or environmental group to expand the project’s reach.
Together, we can turn barren banks into living ecosystems — lush with bamboo, buzzing with life, and filled with opportunity.
Because when we plant bamboo, we plant hope.
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