Transmara Sugar Company has grown over 50,000 plants in its nursery to support sustainable community development.
Transmara Sugar Company Tree and Ornamental Nursery was set up in 2020 to grow 25 indigenous tree species and 86 ornamental plant species. This initiative aims to increase the coverage of nature within public areas across Transmara West Sub County and create carbon sinks to help local communities reduce CO2 emissions.
Since its inception, the ambitious CSR program, in collaboration with county NEMA leadership, has distributed 15,485 indigenous trees in all public primary and secondary schools across the county. An estimated 8,676 ornamental plants have also been planted around the company’s offices and residential areas.
As of May 2024, the plant nursery had grown 50,596 plants, including 43,452 exotic ornamentals and 7,144 indigenous trees.
Why ornamental and Indigenous plants?
Ground covers, shrubs, climbers and shade plants are among the ornamental species, which are used to beautify the company’s offices and public areas in the community. They are planted in public schools, hospitals, official residential areas, public streets and public offices, alongside Transmara’s main and regional offices. The Roads and Estates Department has already planted almost 8,676 ornamental plants and 3,000 trees in residential homes, streets and offices.
The 25 tree species are native to Transmara West Sub County and play a vital role in maintaining the indigenous population. They also absorb carbon dioxide, making them important carbon sinks, which support the community’s sustainable development through sugar production activities. This project is part of Transmara’s wider commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, both in company operations and the community.
Prior to the plant nursery’s establishment in 2020, the company donated 3,000 indigenous tree seedlings to public primary and secondary schools across the county in 2019.
Where are the plants grown?
The Transmara Sugar Company Tree and Ornamental Nursery is managed by the Agronomy section of the Agriculture Department. Transmara employs locally-trained staff to grow the seedlings on the company’s premises, adjacent to the River Keyian. They are responsible for seed sourcing, planting, transplanting, name identification and tag labelling. They operate the sprinkler irrigation system, prune the young plants and monitor their health.
Once the seedlings are strong enough, they are handed to the CSR team. They collaborate with the Narok County NEMA leadership to distribute the plants to the community at official events and during public holidays.
What’s next for the nursery project?
Transmara Sugar Company aims to expand the initiative to grow plant species typical of riparian land areas within Narok County. These are identified as transitional areas between land and bodies of water like streams, rivers and lakes. They provide critical habitats for both upland and aquatic flora and fauna.
Biodiverse riparian landscapes enriched by different plant species can conserve water channels and naturally prevent flooding. They also sequester carbon from the atmosphere, so restoring them will help to further facilitate the decarbonisation of the Transmara community. The company aims to restore these riparian landscapes by planting key plant species, including vetiver tufted bunchgrass and bamboo.
Want to know more?
Email us at info@transmarasugar.co.ke
