In 2017, Samsung Electronics East Africa promised to plant and care for 10,000 indigenous trees in Nairobi’s Karura Forest. That effort, now widely known as the Samsung Forest, has grown into a thriving space used by joggers, bird-watchers, and families.
At the time, Kenya’s forest cover stood at just 7%, below the national 10% target. Samsung partnered with Friends of Karura Forest to do more than just plant trees. They committed to nurturing them too.
As of 2025, those trees are healthy and well established. They’ve improved air quality, created shade, and offered a natural buffer against the growing city. The area also supports wildlife and gives people a place to breathe and slow down.
But the effort wasn’t limited to tree planting.
Samsung also installed 200 benches and picnic tables across Karura. You’ll see them in use daily by families, visitors, and those needing a place to rest. These additions have made Karura a more usable, people-friendly forest.
The Samsung Forest is part of the company’s wider environmental focus. Beyond Karura, Samsung works to reduce emissions through better operations, cut waste through recycling, and run sustainable supply chains. They’ve moved from making one-time contributions to embedding sustainability in daily decisions.
They didn’t just plant trees and walk away.
They returned. They checked on growth. They measured results.
“Initial investment is only half the work,” said Nyawira Muraguri, Corporate Marketing Manager, Samsung Electronics East Africa. “True value lies in nurturing these projects over the long term. It’s not just about growing trees—it’s about ensuring they grow and thrive, which requires ongoing care and commitment. Returning to assess our progress allows us to build credibility with the communities we serve. Sustainability isn’t a one-time effort; it demands consistent dedication every step of the way.”
The Samsung Forest shows what sustained, local investment can look like. It’s a project that prioritizes results on the ground not in global campaigns or flashy announcements.
Samsung continues to build on these efforts.
“Samsung remains committed to expanding its environmental efforts, focusing on long-term positive impacts for both people and the planet,” Nyawira said.
If you visit Karura Forest, you’ll see it: quiet proof of what long-term environmental action looks like.
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