Nairobi, Kenya -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/15/2014 -- Concluding its twelfth year in existence, Total Kenya's Eco-Challenge program continues to contribute to the nation by encouraging and facilitating the planting of much-needed trees, with this year's total establishing a new high mark. The Total Eco-Challenge was established in 2002 with a goal of coordinating and sponsoring the planting of 100 million trees annually, and today more than 5,000 local planting projects across Kenya work under the program's banner. The Eco-Challenge slogan of "Miti ni Mali! Miti Tosha!" has become a rallying cry across Kenya, bringing together volunteers, corporate sponsors, and others in their shared commitment to Kenya's future.

"The Total Eco-Challenge is even more important to Kenya and her people today than when it was kicked off back in 2002," Total Kenya's Eco Challenge Advisor Robert M. NjerU, HSC said, "Millions of Kenyans and countless generous corporate partners have contributed to the planting of hundreds of millions of trees over the years as we have worked toward our goal of reforesting 10% of Kenya's land."

Located in the Great Lakes region of East Africa, Kenya is home to approximately 45 million people. The country is renowned around the world for its natural beauty and diversity of wildlife, offering spectacular vistas of pristine savannas, gorgeous lakes, and rugged mountains that regularly draw visitors from around the world.

Kenya's formerly more widespread forests have succumbed significantly over the decades to population pressures and other issues, however. By the turn of the millennium, it had become clear to residents of the country, along with ecological and economic experts, that the decline of the country's forests had to be reversed in order for Kenya to achieve its full potential.

The Total Kenya Eco-Challenge that was kicked off in 2002 has been one of the most effective efforts of all at improving the situation. Designed and promoted by the Kenyan subsidiary of the global oil and gas company Total, the Eco-Challenge incorporates a variety of efforts to help local tree-planting groups spread across Kenya succeed in their work.

Focusing on sustainability, the Total Eco-challenge helps educate Kenyans and other interested parties about tree selection and planting techniques, and includes the sponsorship of a nationwide network of tree centers where saplings for planting can be obtained. Every year, Total also highlights the Eco-Challenge's top performers at a gala awards dinner. At this year's Total Eco-challenge annual galla awards, held on September 12th and broadcast on NTV, a number of standouts including Green World Campaign Kenya, APA Insurance, and 13-year-old "tree ambassador" Stephen Njoroge received recognition for their efforts.

While it is of great importance, the Total Eco-Challenge is only one of more than 13 philanthropic initiatives pursued by the company. Coordinating with partners, for example, the company regularly opens rescue and medical centers at its stations situated along many of Kenya's roads and highways, contributing to the safety and health of travelers. This year, for example, new rescue facilities were opened with the company's help at Nakuru County's Salgaa Trading Centre and at a Total New Jomvu station in Mombasa.

As the highly successful and productive Total Eco-challenge heads into the new year, those interested can learn more at the Total Kenya website. A new Total Kenya Blog hosted there will also keep visitors updated with the latest news regarding the Eco-Challenge and the company, and further information about Total Kenya locations, products, and services can be found at the site, as well.

About Total Kenya
With roots in Kenya dating back to 1955, Total Kenya is the largest retailer of oil and gas in the country today. Nearly 200 service stations, a number of fuel depots, and other Total Kenya facilities help supply individuals and companies in the country with the fuels and lubricants they need.