Forests, due to their capacity to act as carbon sinks and by providing key environmental services, are globally recognized as critical in climate change mitigation and adaptation. This capacity is enhanced through conservation, rehabilitation of degraded areas, afforestation, and reforestation. According to the Kenya Forests Service, despite all mitigation efforts, Kenya continues to lose about 12,000 hectares of trees each year through deforestation. Its in this background that President Uhuru Kenyatta gave a directive to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry to draw a roadmap to achieve 10% forest cover by 2022.
Kibabii University through the Environmental Management and Mainstreaming Committee has over the recent past demonstrated her commitment by planting indigenous trees to achieve the said threshold. To support these efforts, Equity Bank donated 5,000 seedlings to Kibabii University on 16th April, 2021. The seedlings were handed over to the University by the Regional Manager Customer Service Ms. Albina Ochembo and the Branch Manager Mr. Stephen Wasiche in an occasion that saw part of the seedlings planted at the University’s extension land at Sirisia Sub County.
To extend the exercise, the University staff and faculty led by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Ipara Odeo today 7th May, 2021 embarked on the exercise of planting more trees within the University Main Campus’ Sports Complex.
“In years to come, Kibabii University shall be a place to behold,” said the Chairman of the Environmental Committee Dr. Paul Obina.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor appreciated Equity Bank for the worthy donation.
“Bungoma County is one of the most challenged counties in Kenya with Mt. Elgon being degraded towards a susceptible extinction if something urgent is not done. Equity Bank has been one of our faithful partners. This donation is a blessing to us and a testimony of the Bank’s commitment to issues that matter to mankind, major one being the environment. We really appreciate them.”
The tree planting exercise shall continue until the current long rains season subside.
