SKL CEO Dr. Sonvir Singh: Mazingira Day Is a Call to Protect Our Only Home

As Kenya marks Mazingira Day, a day set aside to honour and protect our environment, Shri Krishana Overseas PLC (SKL) Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Sonvir Singh, has issued a stirring call to action to Kenyans, corporates and the private sector to move from talk to tangible action in restoring the country’s ecosystems.

In his Mazingira Day message, Dr. Singh said the day is not just a holiday on the calendar, but a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to the land that sustains us.

“This Mazingira Day, we are reminded that we have only one home. Our mazingira is not just the trees and the rivers; it is our health, our livelihood, our future. At Shri Krishana Overseas, we believe that business cannot thrive on a dying planet,” he said.

SKL, one of the region’s growing packaging manufacturers, said it has aligned its corporate social responsibility agenda with President William Ruto’s 15-billion tree campaign and the national climate action agenda.

Beyond Business: A Green Commitment

Dr. Singh noted that while the company’s core business is manufacturing corrugated boxes and packaging for Kenyan and regional markets, its long-term vision is anchored in sustainability.

“Every container we move, every business we facilitate, leaves a footprint. Our duty is to ensure that footprint is positive. That is why we have made environmental stewardship a pillar of our operations, not just an afterthought,” he stated.

He disclosed that the company has rolled out an internal green transition plan that includes reduction of single-use plastics in its offices and warehouses, adoption of energy-efficient systems, proper waste segregation, and supporting tree-growing initiatives in partnership with local communities.

This year, to mark Mazingira Day, the company’s staff will participate in tree-planting exercises and clean-up activities, an initiative Dr. Singh says is aimed at inculcating a culture of environmental consciousness among employees.

“We are not just planting trees; we are planting hope. We are investing in clean air for our children, in water security for our farmers, and in resilience for our economy,” he said.

Private Sector Must Lead

The Managing Director challenged fellow private sector players to take a more active role in environmental restoration, noting that government alone cannot win the battle against climate change, pollution and environmental degradation.

According to Dr. Singh, the effects of climate change, from prolonged droughts in Northern Kenya to unpredictable rainfall in high-potential areas, are already affecting supply chains, food security and business continuity.

“The private sector has the resources, the innovation and the reach to be the game-changer in this fight. We must go beyond CSR statements and integrate sustainability into our bottom line. Let us make green business the new normal,” he urged.

He particularly lauded ongoing national efforts such as the Climate WorX programme and the Nairobi River Regeneration Programme spearheaded by the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, saying such initiatives demonstrate what is possible when government, private sector and wananchi work together.

A Message to Kenyans

In a direct message to Kenyans, Dr. Singh called for individual responsibility, urging every Kenyan to take ownership of their immediate environment.

“Mazingira Day should begin at your doorstep. Plant a tree where you live. Clean the drainage near your shop. Teach your child why littering is wrong. Small actions, done by millions of Kenyans, become a national transformation,” he said.

He added that SKL remains committed to supporting the government’s agenda on environmental conservation and sustainable development, and will continue to partner with communities in building a cleaner, greener and more prosperous Kenya.

“As we celebrate this day, let us renew our vow. Let us choose to protect our forests, to keep our rivers clean, to keep our cities green. Let us leave this country better than we found it,” Dr. Singh concluded.

He wished all Kenyans, his staff, clients and partners a Happy and Blessed Mazingira Day.

This message was also carried by Vipasho News.