Kaimosi Friends University today injected a significant boost into the national agenda for environmental restoration, planting an additional 10,000 tree seedlings on its expansive grounds. This latest effort underscores the institution's firm commitment to aligning with the government's ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by the year 2030, a critical initiative in the face of escalating climate change impacts.
The well-attended event saw a coalition of stakeholders converge at the university. Representatives from major financial institutions, Equity Bank and Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), demonstrated their corporate social investment through active participation and resource contributions.
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) donated 5,000 seedlings to the university and pledged to continue to support the university through tree-growing projects, technical expertise, and the establishment of a dedicated tree nursery.
The National Youth Service (NYS) further amplified the impact of the drive, contributing 7,500 seedlings and providing crucial manpower for on digging planting holes. An NYS spokesperson lauded the collaborative spirit fostered by KAFU and highlighted their Kisumu region nursery's capacity to supply further seedlings as needed.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Prof. Julius Kipkemboi, speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor Prof. Peter Mwita, underscored the urgency of the initiative. Today's large-scale tree planting at Kaimosi Friends University sends a strong signal of proactive engagement in the national reforestation agenda. The collaborative effort between the university, financial institutions, government agencies, and the community underscores the collective responsibility required to combat climate change and secure a sustainable future for Kenya.
"Tree planting is a profound commitment to fight for climate change, the Ministry of Education is an integral part of this national endeavor and as Kaimosi Friends University we are committed to supporting this noble exercise to tackle climate change," Said Prof. Kipkemboi.
Prof. Kipkemboi revealed that with today's addition, KAFU has now planted a total of 42,750 trees and remains resolute in its objective to reach 69,000 trees planted. He highlighted the university's unique position as the "home of Kaimosi forest," stressing the critical role of this tree planting drive in bolstering the region's forest cover.
“We are partners with Kaimosi, and today has marked a great day of tree planting. This partnership will keep going; climate change is real, and we will continue monitoring the growth of these trees, recognizing the vital link between a healthy environment and our well-being." Said Vivian Kiptum a Manager at KCB Serem Branch.
The university's Environmental Club, alongside dedicated university staff, actively participated in the planting exercise, demonstrating a grassroots commitment to environmental stewardship. The presence of TV47 underscored the media's role in highlighting such crucial environmental initiatives.
"Our duty is to protect and conserve the environment. Integrating education with the efforts of our Environmental Club is crucial to nurturing the trees that have been planted and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility." Said Prof. Kipkemboi.
