MMUST Receives 2,000 Indigenous Tree Seedlings From State Department for Forestry as University Advances 28,440-Tree Commitment

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) on Wednesday hosted a delegation from the State Department for Forestry for a tree-planting exercise that saw the University receive 2,000 indigenous tree seedlings to support its growing restoration and environmental sustainability efforts. The exercise is part of the implementation of the MMUST University Council Performance Contract for the Financial Year 2026/2027, running from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, under which the University has committed to planting 28,440 trees and mobilizing key stakeholders to support tree growing in liaison with the State Department of Forestry. The delegation was led by Ms. Emmaculate Kimondiyo, Senior Assistant Secretary, State Department for Economic Planning. 

The initiative is aligned with the Government’s National Tree Planting and Growing Restoration Campaign, which calls for concerted efforts by institutions, communities and other stakeholders to increase tree cover and restore degraded ecosystems across the country.

The State Department for Forestry delegation was received at the University by Dr. Dennis Ochieno, representing the Registrar, Planning. The engagement culminated in the planting of indigenous tree seedlings within the University. The delegation paid a courtesy call to the Office of the Vice Chancellor, where they were received by Prof. Maurice Vincent Omolo, representing the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance. 

Prof. Maurice Vincent Omolo speaks during the meeting. 

Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Omolo appreciated the State Department for Forestry for the donation of the 2,000 indigenous seedlings, noting that the contribution would significantly support the University’s efforts towards achieving its 28,440-tree target under the 2026/2027 Council Performance Contract.

Ms. Emmaculate Kimondiyo makes her remarks during the meeting. 

The engagement brought together key University officials spearheading the institution’s sustainability and performance initiatives. They included Dr. Rapando Wakhu (Coordinator, Productivity Mainstreaming); Dr. Edward Mugalavai (Coordinator, Greening Initiative); and Ms. Purity Muchere (Assistant Registrar, Performance Monitoring and Evaluation).

As the University works towards its 28,440-tree target, the partnership with the State Department for Forestry provides a strong foundation for sustained stakeholder collaboration, ensuring that every seedling planted contributes to a greener campus, healthier ecosystems and Kenya’s wider restoration agenda.

By Linet Owuor

Photos by Shiundu Masafu