MMUST Joins Environment Stakeholders in Commemorating World Rainforest Day 2026 in an Effort to Strengthen Environmental Conservation and Promote Sustainable Forest Management!
In an effort to strengthen environmental conservation and promote sustainable forest management, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) joined government leaders, environmental agencies, conservation partners, and local communities at Lianugu, Kakamega Forest, on 22nd June, 2026, to commemorate World Tropical Rainforest Day through a tree-planting exercise. Themed, ‘The Forest Within You’, participants planted 3,000 indigenous tree seedlings, as part of ongoing efforts to combat climate change, conserve biodiversity, and safeguard Kenya’s only tropical rainforest. The event was graced by Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Dr. Idah Odinga.
Dr. Iddah Odinga, making her remarks.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Idah Odinga underscored the importance of collective action to environmental conservation. She described Kakamega Forest as Kenya’s most treasured ecosystem and the only surviving remnant of the once-vast Central African tropical rainforest. Dr. Odinga further recognized the indispensable role of this rainforest in climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, water security, and community livelihoods.
“This occasion aligns with the Presidential directive to grow 15 billion trees by 2032. The initiative reflects our collective commitment to restoring degraded landscapes, enhancing climate resilience, strengthening water security, and securing a sustainable future for generations to come. As we pursue this national goal, we must recognize that conservation begins at the community level, and the continued survival of Kakamega Forest owes much to the dedication of local communities that have embraced sustainable livelihoods,” said Dr. Odinga.
The Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Barasa speaks during the event.
“This year’s theme, ‘The Forest Within You’ reminds humanity that the wellbeing of forests is inseparable from that of people. We cannot speak of development, justice, or survival while allowing the destruction of the very ecosystems that sustain us. As we confront the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, this message has never been more urgent,” stated the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Barasa.
Dr. Barasa also revealed that the Ministry has moved with deliberate urgency and put in place robust policies frameworks, including, the National Forest Policy 2023; the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Strategy (2023 to 2032); the National Agroforestry Strategy, the Bamboo Strategy, National Climate Change Policy and Act; and the Kenya Industrial Wood Sector Vision 2050.
“I call upon each one of us to plant trees, especially during this rainy season,” she urged.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo receives a trophy on behalf of MMUST as a partner in conservation of the Kakamega Tropical Rainforest.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, highlighted MMUST’s growing contribution towards achieving the Presidential target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032. He noted that the University’s Greening Initiative Unit has coordinated and accelerated conservation activities across the Western Region and other parts of the country.
“Through our Greening Initiative Unit, MMUST has formally adopted 10 acres within Kakamega Forest for ecological restoration using indigenous tree species. We have also adopted the Chemorir River water source conservation project in the Mount Elgon ecosystem, where bamboo agroforestry is being used to protect critical water catchment areas and conserve fragile riverine biodiversity. Working closely with government agencies, financial institutions, development partners, and community groups, MMUST has mobilized stakeholders to plant more than 200,000 tree seedlings across Kenya, from Kakamega and Mount Elgon to Narok and the Coastal Region. I am delighted to report that during this financial year of 2025/2026, the University has already surpassed its annual tree planting target,” remarked Prof. Shibairo.
Additionally, he revealed that MMUST has been actively pursuing research in Kakamega Forest, investigating medicinal and nutritive value of the different indigenous tree species in the forest. “Through these endeavors we generate scientific knowledge that supports conservation and sustainable utilization of forest resources,” he added.
Prof. Solomon Shibairo, makes his speech.
On his part, the Governor of Kakamega County, FCPA Fernandes Barasa, commended all stakeholders for their collective commitment to protecting Kakamega Forest and called for continued collaboration between Government institutions, development partners and local communities. He noted that forest remains an invaluable ecological asset that supports biodiversity, enhances rainfall and provides medicinal plants. To further promote environmental conservation, the Governor donated 10,000 fruit tree seedlings to Kakamega School for the Deaf.
The Governor of Kakamega County, FCPA Fernandes Barasa addressing the participants at the event.
Notably, in recognition of its outstanding contribution to environmental conservation, MMUST received a trophy as a partner in the conservation of the Kakamega Tropical Rainforest, alongside a donation of 1,000 indigenous tree seedlings. The seedlings will be planted at the University’s Approved School grounds. Additionally, five neighboring primary schools each received 200 indigenous seedlings to support greening initiatives within their institutions.
MMUST’s participation in the World Rainforest Day celebrations reaffirms the University’s commitment to environmental stewardship, climate action, community engagement, and sustainable development. Through strategic partnerships, scientific research, and large-scale restoration initiatives, the University continues to play its part in advancing Kenya’s environmental conservation agenda while contributing to global efforts to safeguard tropical rainforests for future generations.
By Caren Nekesa, Fredrick Ekesa and Lucy Olang’o
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
