On the Kitale Suam highway, few metres from Matisi center lies the Community Action Network of Africa (CANA) a grassroot non-political organization registered in 2003 with the Ministry of Gender and Social Services. The key mandate of the organization is to mobilize communities to address health, environment and climate change issues in their day-to-day activities while promoting sustainable development and gender involvement.
The world now knows that trees matter and are the best nature-based solution for climate change. They often hold extraordinary potential as they absorb carbon dioxide to produce oxygen and create habitats for myriad species. With this drive and motivation, CANA has excelled in developing sustainable partnerships with the community, organizations among other potential partners in advancing initiatives to combat climate change and create a more sustainable lifestyle. Collective efforts and successful examples partners such as Kenya Seed Company Ltd (KSC) which has been steering tree planting exercise under their CSR programme in Trans Nzoia and across the country, are already proof of significant environmental improvements.
CANA is initiating adoptable sustainable practices in the community by providing solutions on the right trees for planting in different ecological areas and practices like using organic fertilizers and conservation of water in ensuring trees thrive. Just recently, CANA joined KSC which has been a key system in supporting their activities by donating and planting bamboo seedlings at Kitale Club during the 2025 KSC Classic Golf tournament. The choice of Bamboo at the facility emphasizes the sustainability drive CANA has for the community. They will provide sufficient clean oxygen and regulating the atmosphere around the club. This shows that the goal is not just to plant but to cultivate a thriving ecosystem. Successful initiatives often plan for the long term, anticipating challenges and addressing them proactively.
CANA has had a really great partnership with KSC for the last three years having been given a five thousand litre-tank in supporting their activities in tree nursery and conservation. This has not only improved their seedling production but has enhanced their activities after struggling with the cost of fuel for pumping water.
With the future on tree planting looking palatable, harnessing of technology will be a great step for the Kitale based organization. Technology is already transforming tree planting through the use of drones to survey planting areas or applications that can track the growth of seedlings/trees. These tools provide real time data and insights.
Community engagement is not just a component but the heartbeat for the growth of CANA with the organization donating over fifty thousand seedlings including fruit trees to public places and schools within Trans Nzoia. Perhaps, this has provided a great motivation to ensure this coming season they are able to double the numbers for the distribution exercise. Without community engagements, even the most meticulously planned projects can flounder.
