Kibabii University today took its tree planting initiative to the slopes of Mt. Elgon. The exercise was graced by the Assistant Director of Research, Ministry of Education Dr. Gideon Mbithi Kivengea who was representing the Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education and Research Dr. Beatrice Inyangala. The exercise started from the University Main Campus with Members of the University Council planting trees.
In December 2022, His Excellency President William Ruto launched the National Tree Growing Restoration campaign. The aim of the campaign is to see that Kenya shall have achieved at least 15 billion new forest cover by the year 2032. The campaign is aimed at reducing greenhouse emissions, stopping and reversing deforestation and, restoring 5.1 million hectares of deforested and degraded landscapes through the African Landscape Restoration Initiative.
Kibabii University has since embarked on an exercise of yielding 100,000 seedling per year, most of which are donated to the neighbouring communities, schools, colleges and other organized groups.
In his remarks, Dr. Kivengea lauded the University for the notable efforts and challenged opinion leaders to support the initiative.
“As we engage in this exercise, I must acknowledge the energies this University has engaged in an attempt to ensure the restoration succeeds. Your commitment to yield such a high number of indigenous seedlings is quite breathtaking and worth taking home as lessons for other players in the fight for rejuvenation of our flora and fauna,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Ipara Odeo reaffirmed his commitment to the initiative, citing that staff and students in the University have been challenged to each plant at least 30 seedlings within the University and their homes of residence.
“Today we have accomplished our mission of planting 3,104 tree seedlings. We pledge to continue doing this before the long rains subside,” he said.
