On 2^nd June, 2023, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology participated in a tree planting exercise at the Kakamega Tropical Rainforest in an effort to combat the adverse effects of climate change in the country. The exercise, organized by the Kakamega Forest Heritage Foundation aimed at supporting the national government’s initiative of planting 30 billion trees by 2032, which will in turn contribute towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, stopping and reversing deforestation as well as restoring large hectares of degraded landscapes. The event, which was attended by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo and the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Planning Research and Innovation, Prof. Charles Mutai, was graced by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Susan Nakhumicha.

Dr. Nakhumicha, who also represented the Prime Cabinet secretary, Hon. Musalia Mudavadi at the event, stated that environmental issues have significant implications for human well-being, including health. She reported that the Ministry of Health has been actively promoting a shift from curative to promotive and preventive healthcare. To play a role in this, she encouraged the people to grow trees and take care of the environment noting that it will not only help in achieving this goal, but also contribute towards creating a healthier environment that will support the well-being of the people.

Additionally, Dr. Nakhumicha urged the participants including the local residents not to be swayed by misinformation regarding the proposed finance bill 2023 without thoroughly reading it first. She highlighted issues featured in the bill relating to health such as tax exemptions for manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals and vaccines saying that the proposals made will see a reduction of cost of vaccines and pharmaceutical products as well as their improved accessibility.

 The CS for Health, Dr. Susan Nakhumicha addressing participants during the event.

Notably, the CS had the opportunity to read the Prime Cabinet Secretary’s speech which stressed on the government’s determination to greening the country and reforestation of forests including the Kakamega tropical Forest.

“Greening Kenya aims at mitigating climate change effects. As of today, our tree cover stands at 12.13% out of the targeted 30% by 2032 while the forest cover is now at 10%, half of the 20% target by 2030,” read the speech. He acknowledged the efforts of the community in tree cover planting and forest cover afforestation, which he said, are extremely desirable and highly appreciated. 

Speaking during the event, Prof. Shibairo noted that this is the fourth year into the University’s and the Kakamega Forest Heritage Foundation’s collaboration. He assured the foundation and participants of the University’s undying commitment towards the noble cause of not only planting and growing trees but also educating the public on the relevance of the same.

Additionally, the renowned professor took the opportunity to explain to the public the vital role trees play in mitigating climate change. “When we plant trees, they support the environment by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and converting it into oxygen while storing the carbon. This process helps to reduce the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, thereby mitigating the greenhouse effects and climate change,” explained Prof. Shibairo. He urged the people to grow trees, saying that it is one of the most important things we can do to contribute to the health of the planet. 

Prof. Solomon Shibairo making a presentation after the tree planting exercise.

Prof. Mutai further echoed the Vice Chancellor’s statement, assuring the attendees and the Kakamega Forest Heritage Foundation of the University’s support.

The Kakamega Forest Heritage Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Mr. George Murilla pointed out that the Kakamega Tropical Rainforest has the uniqueness of being the last and only surviving remnant of the great and ancient Guineo-Congolian Tropical Rainforest. Renowned for its unique character and high biodiversity among Kenyan forests, the environmentalist stressed that it is crucial that we look after it and conserve it.

“MMUST has been a great partner with us not only in tree planting but also in the marathon. I urge you to continue. As of today, we shall have planted approximately 76 hectares of the 100 hectares apportioned to the Kakamega Forest Heritage Foundation by the ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry,” said Mr. Murilla.

A section of the participants planting trees during the tree planting exercise.

The judiciary was represented by Hon. Justice Dalmas Omondi Ogungo, Judge of Environment and Land Court and Presiding Judge Kakamega. Justice Ogungo was accompanied by Hon. Retired, Hon. Lady Justice Farah Amin and Hon. Lady Justice Hellen Omondi. “As the judiciary, we are proud to participate in such initiatives. Beyond activities of planting trees, we also provide an avenue for resolution of disputes on issues of land and environment. We encourage the people to bring actions to court for we are ready and willing to resolve them,” he said  

It is worth noting that different government ministries and agencies were represented at the event. These included the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection; Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development; the East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development; Ministry of education - Higher Education and Research; Kenya Forest Service, and the Kenya Defence Forces among others. The Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary was represented by a thirteen-member delegation led by the Chief of Staff, Mr. Joseph Busieda.

Present also was the Kakamega Woman Representative, Ms. Elsie Muhanda, the area MCA, Mr. Dan Muchiha Mukofu. Other institutions such as the World Rally Championship, St. Anne’s School Kiminini, Fly 748 Air Services, Cooperative Bank and the Fourth Estate were also present.

Mr. Martin Mamati introducing representatives from the Kenya Forest Service during the event.

The trees were donated by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), Ministry of devolution, Bukura Agricultural College, Kenya Wildlife Service, Institute of Certified Public Accountants (ICPAK) and the Ministry of Water.

Research indicates that climate change is the defining issue of our time and we are at a defining moment. The shifting weather patterns that threaten food production to rising sea levels that increase the risks of catastrophic flooding confirms the impacts of climate change are global in scope and precedented in scale. We are advised that without drastic actions today, adapting to the impacts of these changes or events will be more difficult and costly. We have the opportunity, time, resources and goodwill to reverse the devastating situation. Let us plant and grow more trees for our future. 

By: Caren Nekesa

Photos by Shiundu Masafu