KAFU MARKS NATIONAL ELIMU TREE PLANTING DAY BY PLANTING 5,000 TREES IN MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVE
On May 17, 2024, Kaimosi Friends University launched a major tree-planting initiative at the KAFU Grounds, aiming to plant 130,000 trees. This effort is part of the university's commitment to the National Elimu Tree Planting campaign, which was launched simultaneously at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology by the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Higher Education and Research on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary. This day will be marked annually as officially designated by the Ministry of Education, with all institutions required to plant as many trees as possible. The number of trees planted will be uploaded to the Jazamiti app. This drive aligns with the Presidential directive program for the Accelerated Restoration of Forests and Rangelands, which targets planting 15 billion trees by 2032 to combat climate change.
The event was led by KAFU Council representative Dr. Francis Bwire and KAFU's acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mwita. The chief guest was Mr. Caleb Burudi, the Founder of De La Calexo Africa and a prominent environmental conservativist and climate change advocate. Participants included Kaimosi Friends University staff and students led by KAFU Environmental Club, students from Kaimosi Boys High School, community members, and members of the Friends Church, led by Pastor Wandaya Cheeseman and Presiding Clerk, Erastus Kisia.
Dr. Bwire welcomed the visitors on behalf of the KAFU Council and pledged support for the presidential initiative to plant more trees to combat climate change. In his opening remarks, Prof. Peter Mwita urged all participants to view tree planting as a continuous and progressive activity. He emphasized the critical benefits of reforestation, such as water and air conservation, and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Caleb Burudi highlighted De La Calexo's dedication to the ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees. Demonstrating his commitment, Mr. Burudi personally planted 52 trees during the event.
De La Calexo has a history of collaborating with universities such as Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, South Eastern Kenya University, and Meru University in tree planting initiatives. Kaimosi Friends University is proud to be the newest partner, with De La Calexo providing 5,000 seedlings for the event. The organization also aims to engage women through the Women Congress Programme, expanding the tree planting campaign to 194 wards in the Western region.
Kaimosi Friends University is dedicated to improving community livelihoods through environmental conservation activities such as tree planting. Understanding the benefits of reforestation, KAFU plans to plant more trees to reduce carbon emissions and provide a source of biodiesel. Future plans include restoring the Nandi Hills escarpment in collaboration with De La Calexo.
This tree planting event follows a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to collaborate on environmental conservation through tree planting. The university will also participate in the restoration and adaptation of the Kaimosi and Kikuyu wetlands.
