Kibabii University played a pivotal role in the successful commemoration of the inaugural Mt. Elgon Day, an event dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the Mt. Elgon ecosystem. A delegation from the University, led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration, Finance and Development) Prof Donald Siamba, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Partnerships, Research and Innovation) Prof. Julius Maiyo, and the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs) Prof. Joshua Ogendo, joined national leaders, conservationists, and local communities in marking this historic day.
Demonstrating its continued commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development, Kibabii University donated 4,000 tree seedlings and actively participated in the tree-planting exercise held on the slopes of Mt. Elgon. Established in 2025, Mt. Elgon Day serves as an annual observance to celebrate and safeguard the Mt. Elgon ecosystem, a vital transboundary biodiversity hotspot and water tower shared between Kenya and Uganda. The day seeks to mobilize stakeholders, including governmental agencies, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and local communities, in restoring degraded landscapes and reinforcing conservation awareness.
The event was officially presided over by the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Hon. Dr. Deborah Barasa, who emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to ecosystem restoration and climate resilience.
Other guests included the Principal Secretary for Blue Economy and Mining, Mr. Harry Kimtai, and Members of Parliament Hon. Didmus Baraza, Hon. Tim Wanyonyi, and Hon. John Waluke, among other dignitaries.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Barasa lauded institutions of higher learning such as Kibabii University for translating academic knowledge into tangible action towards environmental regeneration and sustainable livelihoods.
The celebration aligns seamlessly with President William Ruto’s national tree-growing initiative, “Jaza Miti”, which seeks to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 as part of Kenya’s broader climate change mitigation strategy. This national agenda aims not only to combat deforestation but also to enhance carbon sequestration, promote biodiversity conservation, and secure vital water catchment areas.
