MMUST Set to Host the Inaugural Lake Region Climate Change and Agricultural Expo
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) is set to host the inaugural Lake Region Climate Change and Agricultural Expo, a 3-day event organized by the County Government of Kakamega through the leadership of HE Governor Fernandes Barasa. The expo is scheduled to take place from 7th to 10th October, 2025, and aims to bring together stakeholders for discussions on sustainable agriculture and other climate adaptation initiatives. The University’s role as the host was officially announced by the Chairperson of the MMUST Council, Dr. Pamela Sitienei during a breakfast meeting held by the County Government of Kakamega on 10th July 2025. This meeting, which took place at the PanAfric Hotel in Nairobi, was organized to align partners’ goals and mobilize resources for a successful event in October. The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Dr. Selly Kimosop-Secretary for Environment in the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry.
Addressing the partners, Dr. Pamela Sitienei highlighted Africa’s climate financing deficit of roughly $100 billion. She stressed that African nations must collaborate to improve regulatory processes, understand financial risks, and develop effective mitigation strategies.
“As a university, we are at the center of educating the next generation about climate change and the opportunities for land-based carbon projects in Kenya, including reforestation, afforestation, and forest conservation. This Expo will present us with the opportunity to demystify climate finance, create awareness, and open up pathways for green jobs,” said Dr. Sitienei, affirming MMUST’s delight in hosting the event.
“Welcome to MMUST. We are one of the best universities, and we are dedicated to ensuring our region’s success by creating jobs and training youth who will serve the nation using the skills we impart on them,” she added.
Similarly, Governor Fernandes Barasa noted that all development initiatives including health, infrastructure, national security and agriculture have a climate change dimension in them. He referenced western region saying that while its weather patterns were once predictable, the area now experiences sudden storms, droughts, and even the extinction of critical flora and fauna.
“As a county and a nation, we are going to suffer disproportionately if we do not make intentional efforts to assess the climate question, understand the risks we face and map out possible mitigations,” Governor Barasa cautioned. Further he stated that the County is committed to ensuring the optimal and sustainable use of its resources for the benefit of both present and future generations. “We are also prioritizing the implementation of climate change adaptation and mitigation action as we develop a strategy plan and legislative frameworks for environmental compliances,” he said, as he welcomed the stakeholders and partners to the upcoming Expo.
Kakamega is home to the remaining tropical rainforest in Kenya, the Kakamega tropical rainforest, and this makes it a priority for the people of Kakamega to invest in its conservation.
As MMUST and the County Government of Kakamega lead this crucial endeavor, we are confident that the expo’s outcomes will be implemented to drive real and sustainable change for our county and the nation as a whole.
By Caren Nekesa
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