Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), led by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation (PRI), Prof. Charles Mutai, on Tuesday, 23rd June 2020, joined national and Bungoma County leaders in a tree planting exercise at Kaberua Forest in Mt. Elgon. The event, which was part of the public service week celebration, was graced by Amb. Simon Nabukwesi, the Principal Secretary, State Department for University Education and Research and Mr. Harry Kimutai, the Principal Secretary, State Department of Livestock in the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries.

The Acting DVC (PRI) Prof. Charles Mutai planting a tree

In his remarks, Amb. Nabukwesi urged the residents of Kaberua, and Mt. Elgon at large, to plant more trees and put concerted effort in conserving them. Conservation of the environment, he said, is important because it ensures that there is constant and enough food for sustainability. Mt. Elgon is known as the food basket of Bungoma County and beyond.
In his capacity as a son of Mt. Elgon and the PS in the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Mr. Harry Kimutai implored on members of the community to support the agenda of the Government by working with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Nyayo Tea Zone in taking care of the environment and wildlife.
‘It is important that we return to the community and plant trees. This community is ours and we will still need it in years to come,’ he said.

MMUST team engaging with Harry Kimutai, the Principal Secretary, State Department of Livestock.

PS Kimutai also called upon KFS, KWS and the Nyayo Tea Zone to engage with the community for mutually beneficial Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes.
The Acting DVC (PRI), Prof. Mutai, assured the dignitaries present of the University’s support in conducting relevant research and availability of human resources towards achieving this.