By Dorothy Musyoka
Kenyatta University has joined the nation in tree planting activities days after President William Ruto declared 10th May 2024 a public holiday for tree planting and mourning flood victims.
Acting Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor Professor Waceke Wanjohi spearheaded the tree planting event which she said will go a long way in mitigating the effects of climate change in line with the government’s agenda.
” Trees are not mere observers of lives, they actively contribute to our well-being by contributing to clean air, shade, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of our environment, by planting trees today we, therefore, lay a foundation for a brighter future for our university and our planet,” stated professor Waceke.
Kenyatta University reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability in tree planting and embracing education for sustainable development.
” We continue to intensify our efforts in tree growing to bolster carbon sequestration, preserve biodiversity, and enhance community resilience,” Professor Waceke noted.
According to Waceke, Kenyatta University was already taking advantage of the ongoing rains in planting trees and the practice will progress even after the holiday ends.
Kenyatta University tree propagation and tree growing committee chairperson Dr.Joseph Kurauka indicated that in the 2023/2024 academic year, Kenyatta University in collaboration with different stakeholders managed to plant 106,989, with 34,855 trees under Kenyatta University.
Kenyatta University is partnering with North Coast Beach Hotel, Pwani Oil Limited, Kilifi County government, and PCEA church in Mtwapa in tree planting activities to mitigate the effects of climate change.