Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. Ezekiel Machogu joined Kaimosi Friends University for the 3rd day of the ongoing National Elimu Tree Planting on Friday, May 31, 2024. This weekly tree planting initiative involves pupils and students from primary and secondary schools in Kaimosi, with today's event featuring students from Kaimosi Demonstration School. Kaimosi Friends University took pride in hosting the CS, as the university aims to plant and grow 130,000 trees in support of President William Ruto’s goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Peter Mwita welcomed the guest of honor and reaffirmed his commitment to taking KAFUto another level through various activities. Prof. Mwita has been a leading figure in the tree planting initiative, having personally planted nearly 100 trees over the past three Fridays on the KAFU grounds. He has consistently encouraged staff and students to actively participate in the initiative.
During his visit, CS Machogu interacted directly with nursing students from Kaimosi Friends University and pupils from Kaimosi Demonstration School. He encouraged them to work hard and emphasized the importance of environmental conservation by participating in the tree planting agenda to combat climate change effects such as flooding, cyclones, and drought. Addressing the nursing students currently in their trimester studies, he highlighted the government's commitment to education through the introduction of the New Funding Model, which allocates resources based on students' levels of need. He reminded the students that their involvement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines could open employment opportunities both within Kenya and abroad.
KAFU remains dedicated to community development through its tree planting initiative, with various schools scheduled to participate every Friday till the target is surpassed. Vice Chancellor Prof. Mwita expressed gratitude to CS Machogu for his visit and acknowledged all those contributing to the initiative. CS Machogu promised to return, noting that he was fulfilling his duties by visiting different educational institutions.