Kaimosi Friends University is deepening its commitment to cultural preservation and environmental stewardship. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Peter Mwita has affirmed the University's dedication to protecting local shrines and actively participating in forest conservation efforts within the region.

Prof. Peter Mwita, Vice-Chancellor of Kaimosi Friends University, addresses Tiriki elders outside the meeting venue, reaffirming the University's commitment to cultural preservation and environmental stewardship.

This commitment was highlighted during a todays engagement that saw the attendance of more than 80 Tiriki elders and members of the local administration, underscoring the broad community interest and support for the University's initiatives.

"Our commitment goes beyond academic excellence; it extends to being a responsible neighbor and a guardian of our shared heritage, we are resolute in our efforts to protect sacred sites and contribute meaningfully to the vital work of forest conservation, recognizing their profound importance to both our community and our planet," stated Prof. Mwita.

Building on this pledge, KAFU plans to establish a Centre for Cultural Studies. This new center will serve as a hub for research, documentation, and promotion of diverse cultural heritage, including the traditional practices of local communities. The initiative underscores the University's recognition of culture as a vital component of its academic and community engagement mandate.

In a move to broaden its cultural preservation efforts, KAFU also intends to collaborate with a Chinese university. This partnership aims to enhance knowledge exchange and joint initiatives in cultural preservation, drawing on global expertise and fostering a cross-cultural understanding of heritage.

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted this collaboration as a significant step towards reinforcing KAFU's role not just as an academic institution but as a custodian of both local and global cultural legacies.

Mzee Samson Muswahili Imbugwa, a respected Tiriki elder, addresses participants during the meeting, expressing gratitude for Kaimosi Friends University's support in preserving cultural traditions and engaging the community.

The elders present lauded the University's proactive approach. Mzee Samson Muswahili Imbugwa, Chairman of the Tiriki Culture Organization in Siekuti village, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the community for the continued support from the university management.

"We are truly grateful for KAFU's commitment to supporting and working hand-in-hand with our community. Their efforts to include us in their programs and to facilitate such important dialogues show a genuine spirit of partnership." Said Mzee Muswahili

The elders also announced that the Tiriki traditional circumcision ceremony will be held in August this year, and expressed appreciation to the University for allowing the sacred event to take place within the shrine located on the university grounds. This gesture, they noted, reinforces the institution’s respect for indigenous practices and community traditions.

Prof. Peter Mwita, Vice-Chancellor plants a tree as part of the University's landmark initiative to conserve the environment and honor cultural heritage.

During the event, Kaimosi Friends University demonstrated its strong commitment to cultural preservation and environmental stewardship through a major tree-planting initiative that saw 21,000 trees planted. This effort, one of the largest environmental undertakings by the institution to date, underscores the University’s deepening dedication to sustainable development and its role in safeguarding both natural resources and cultural heritage within the region.

This multi-faceted approach by KAFU demonstrates a holistic vision for community engagement, blending environmental responsibility with cultural appreciation and international academic partnership.