On Thursday, June 10, 2021, the three organizations exhibited the beauty of a multi-sectoral approach to development when they jointly planted trees in three institutions on a single day. Led by the Ag. Vice Chancellor Prof. Solomon Shibairo, County Government of Kakamega Public Service CEC, Ms. Jacinta Adhiambo Aluoch, and County Commissioner Ms. Pauline Dola, the team carried out a tree planting exercise first at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, then at Kakamega High School and lastly at Bukhaywa Primary School.

“MMUST has subscribed to the Big 4 Agenda. We believe in greening the environment, it is important to protect the environment so that we can have enough food and rain in this region,” said the Acting Vice ChancellorProf. Solomon Shibairo.

The Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, Planning Research and Innovation, Prof. Judith Achoka stated that the University has a big role to play towards community development. “Today we shall plant trees but we want them to be nurtured. We want this school to be a green school” stressed Prof. Achoka. Her sentiments were echoed by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration and Finance, Prof. Charles Mutai who emphasized the importance of tree planting to the livelihoods of the community.

Speaking during the event, Ms. Jacinta Odhiambo, the County Secretary emphasized the need to create champions for mitigating change by planting and nurturing trees in order to conserve the environment. The Forest Conservator, Mr. John Rono reiterated that the Kakamega environment is very favorable for tree growing. “Let us work together to make Kenya green”, added Mr. Rono.

The County Commissioner Ms. Pauline Dola assured that the National office will partner with the University to set up tree nurseries to enable tree planting in large numbers to make Kakamega a green County

Other notable personalities who participated in the tree planting CSR initiative included Kakamega County Conservator of Forests, Mr John Rono, County Director of Communications Mr. Sumba Juma, Ass. County Commissioner Valentine Cherono, MMUST’s Director, Research and Post-graduate Support, Prof. Peter Bukhala, CIO Aggrey Okoth, County Quality Assurance and Standards Officer, Akoko-Okayo, MMUST staff; Dr. James Owuor, Dr Lucy Mandilla, Dr. Lydia Anyonje, Dr. Humphrey Agevi, Dr. Samuel Waweru, Mr. Caleb Mwendwa, MC Mr, Gabriel Bombo and Mildred Kagai, Mable Wambani, Mildred Shivachi and Canon Odhiambo.