Solar panels have greatly reduced the carbon footprint of Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge in Tsavo West National Park, Kenya’s first fully solar powered hotel.
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KENYA | Environment and Climate Change

With billions of shillings invested in environmental sustainability initiatives, and over 12 million trees planted in Kenya, stewardship of the planet is a priority for AKDN.


Industrial Promotion Services companies are committed to reducing their carbon footprint. The printing and packaging company Allpack was awarded the overall renewable energy winner (small and medium consumer) by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers in 2020. Frigoken and The Nature Conservancy have set up 10,000 pans to harvest rainwater. Other project companies are also moving towards renewable energies, setting standards for Kenyan industry.


To date, nearly 70 species have been bred and more than 250,000 butterflies have been released.

In 2003, Serena Beach Resort & Spa in Mombasa established a Butterfly Conservation Sanctuary at its premises. Butterflies have a unique role in the environment. They are conservational as they not only pollinate the wild flowering plants as they feed on the nectar, but also enhance biodiversity by maintaining ecological balance. Butterflies are also a key indicator on the assessment of the health of the surrounding forest. The absence of certain species of butterflies may indicate the depletion of the forest. Due to the radical shrinkage of forests, reports had indicated that most butterflies had largely disappeared from Kenya’s coast, which also prompted the Butterfly Conservation Sanctuary where indigenous butterfly species are now bred. To date, nearly 70 species have been bred and more than 250,000 butterflies have been released.

AKDN / Lucas Cuervo Moura

Serena hotels seek to conserve and benefit the natural environment, opening Kenya's first fully solar powered safari lodge in 2019. Approximately 6.7 million trees have been planted in East Africa by guests, staff, and the local community school children. Each Serena property has a seedling nursery. Serena contributes to reforestation and agroforestry, which includes the planting of fruit and herb trees to additionally enhance food security. The hotels breed 65 species of butterfly in a sanctuary and have released over 60,000 turtle hatchlings into the Indian ocean.


The Aga Khan University has been working with East African filmmakers to produce 50 documentaries on East Africa's most critical environmental crises. The series has won numerous awards and its impact has been recognised locally and internationally. ​Watch the films.


Shortly after she began farming, Teresia developed health problems which doctors attributed to pesticide use on her farm

Shortly after she began farming, Teresia developed health problems which doctors attributed to pesticide use on her farm. After an AKF-trained Green Champion taught her how to use ingredients like cow dung, sugar, ash and leaves to make organic sprays, she no longer struggles to breathe.

AKDN / Natalia Jidovanu

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is helping mitigate and adapt to climate change, with initiatives on conserving and protecting mangroves, establishing microforests and enhancing agroforestry. It employs Green Champions to train small-holder farmers in regenerative practices, such as using organic inputs to save money, enrich the soil, increase biodiversity and improve health. AKF also promotes eco-friendly livelihoods such as producing mangrove honey, establishing ecotourism and engaging in aquaculture.