MMUST Partners With the County Government of Vihiga to Plant 15,000 Trees at Maragoli Hills to Mark Mazingira Day
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) on 10th October 2025, joined the County Government of Vihiga in a tree planting exercise at Maragoli Hills to mark Mazingira Day 2025. The exercise saw over 15,000 trees planted as part of a collaborative effort to promote environmental conservation and sustainability.
The event, held in celebration of Mazingira Day, was graced by the presence of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Musalia Mudavadi. In his address, Hon. Mudavadi applauded MMUST for upholding its commitment to environmental conservation and for actively supporting national climate action initiatives through the MMUST Greening Initiative. He urged institutions of higher learning to continue playing a leading role in environmental education and restoration activities. The Prime Cabinet Secretary was accompanied by Vihiga Governor, Dr. Wilber Otichillo.
A section of MMUST team at the Maragoli Hills.
Speaking during the event, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo emphasized that the partnership with Vihiga County forms part of MMUST’s broader strategy to achieve its target of planting 28,440 trees by the end of the financial year. He added that similar tree planting exercises were being conducted concurrently in Malava, Mumias and Busia.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo together with MMUST students who participated in the event.
Also in attendance was the Registrar (Planning, Research and Innovation)-Dr. Collins Matemba, who highlighted that such partnerships strengthen the University’s engagement with local communities while advancing environmental sustainability.
The Registrar (Planning, Research and Innovation)-Dr. Collins Matemba plants a tree.
The Coordinator-MMUST Greening Initiative, Dr. Edward Mugalavai, noted that the University provided seedlings which were distributed to the community to enhance reforestation efforts. He appreciated the County Government of Vihiga for the partnership and thanked the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Shibairo, for his facilitation and leadership in initiating this collaboration.
The Coordinator-MMUST Greening Initiative, Dr. Edward Mugalavai and Dr. Betty Opilo carrying their seedlings.
As MMUST continues to roll out similar initiatives across the Western region, it remains steadfast in championing climate action and inspiring communities to embrace a greener and a more sustainable future.
By Linet Owuor
