MMUST Chairperson of Council, Dr. Pamela Sitienei receives a tree to plant.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) on 10 May, 2024 marked the National Tree Growing Day with a colourful ceremony, aimed at promoting sustainable ecological practices through tree planting. The event, held within the University grounds, saw the convergence of the Ministry officials, University Council, Management, students, faculty members, the local community and the County Government of Kakamega all joining hands in the tree planting activities and awareness campaigns. The event was graced by Dr. Jemimah Onsare, who was representing the Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education and Research- Dr. Beatrice Inyangala. The tree planting activities were led by Chairperson of Council, Dr. Pamela Sitienei, members of Council, and the Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Mutai.
In her speech, Dr. Onsare highlighted that Kenya’s forest cover stands at 8.83%, and emphasized the urgent need for collaborative efforts to combat deforestation, reduce greenhouse emissions, and restore degraded landscapes. She encouraged everyone to actively participate in tree planting initiatives, to contribute to the national goal of increasing our forest cover.
“The tree growing initiative is a long-term sustainable solution to the climate crisis and its devastating effects on livelihoods. This strategy has mapped out critical wetlands across the country to be rehabilitated and restored. I encourage you to plant trees in order to contribute to the national goal of increasing forest cover,” read the speech.
The Ministry's representative, Dr. Jemimah Onsare plants a tree.
Addressing the participants, the Chairperson of Council, Dr. Pamela Sitienei pointed out that the School of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance has been on the forefront in disaster mitigation and climate action.
“The University takes pride in the School of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance, which aside from spearheading disaster mitigation in the western region, helps the University to push the climate action agenda. The School works closely with the Institute of Indigenous Knowledge, Cultural Studies and Climate Change, as well as the Kenya Meteorological Department, to come up with disaster risk reduction and management strategies,” said Dr. Sitienei.
MMUST Chairperson of Council, Dr. Pamela Sitienei waters a tree as members of council and student leaders look on.
The Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Mutai reiterated MMUST’s commitment to environmental conservation, emphasizing the University’s strategic focus on sustainability. He was accompanied by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration and Finance, Prof. John Kuria Thuo, the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor Planning Research and Innovation, Prof. Josephine Ngaira and Prof. Edwin Wamukoya who were the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic and Student Affairs. Prof. Mutai shared the Ministry of Education’s directive for Universities to establish tree nurseries and participate in national tree planting initiatives, including the upcoming World Environment Day.
“I am happy to note that our Strategic Plan, which has a component on climate change and mitigation, is focussed on sustainability. The Ministry of Education has directed all Universities to establish tree nurseries in a bid to contribute to the Government’s initiative of planting fifteen billion trees by 2032. The Ministry has also requested Universities to mark the upcoming World Environment Day, slated for 5th June, 2024, by planting trees,” remarked Prof. Mutai.
The Ag. Vice Chancellor Prof. Charles Mutai plants a tree during the event.
Further, he revealed that in the recent collaborative meeting comprising of MMUST, National Environment Management Authority, and the Kenya Forest Service, it was agreed that MMUST be allocated one hundred acres of land in Mount Elgon region (Labaa Dam) in order to facilitate the National Landscapes Restoration Campaign by NEMA.
The Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor Planning Research and Innovation, Prof. Josephine Ngaira, who is also a Professor of Geography (Climatology), noted that the act of planting a tree is not merely a symbolic gesture but a tangible commitment to the well being of our environment and the prosperity of future generations.
“The urgency of the climate crisis demands bold and decisive action, and tree growing stands as a powerful instrument in our fight against environmental degradation. Through interdisciplinary research, community engagement and institutional partnerships, MMUST will spearhead initiatives aimed at advancing environmental conservation, promoting sustainability, and combating climate change,” she stated.
The Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor Planning Research and Innovation, Prof. Josephine Ngaira addressing the participants at the event.
The celebrations also featured the unveiling of the University’s Strategic Plan and a Biosafety and Biosecurity program, which were both steered by Dr. Onsare together with the Chairperson of Council, Dr. Pamela Sitienei. The highlights of the strategic plan were presented by the Registrar Planning Research and Innovation, Dr. Collins Matemba while those of the new Biosafety and Biosecurity program were given by Prof. Judah Ndiku, the University’s Registrar Academic Affairs.
Prof. Judah Ndiku, the University’s Registrar Academic Affairs makes remarks.
MMUST’s vibrant celebration of the National Tree Growing Day, which attracted the participation of international partners from various countries and other stakeholders, serves as a shining example of how institutions can play a role in fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and sustainability. Such collective action will certainly inspire positive change in our communities and create a greener, more sustainable future for all.
By Dr. Lydia Anyonje and Caren Nekesa
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
