Students, staff, and leaders at Kaimosi Friends University joined hands with national and county officials to plant 10,000 indigenous tree seedlings on campus grounds. The exercise forms part of Kenya’s ambitious national campaign to grow 15 billion trees by 2032 and raise forest cover to 30 percent.
Dr. John Kipkorir Chumo, Conservation Secretary in the State Department for Wildlife, represented senior government officials at the event. He planted alongside Kaimosi Friends University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Peter N. Mwita and other dignitaries. The initiative brought together university fraternity members with government leaders to strengthen environmental conservation efforts in the region.
The trees were planted at the university farm, adding to ongoing greening activities on the campus. Officials chose indigenous species known for their adaptation to local conditions, soil improvement, and support for biodiversity and water catchment areas.
Youth and Institutions Key to National Goal
Prof. Mwita described the planting as a practical demonstration of the university’s commitment to environmental stewardship. He encouraged students to view tree growing as part of their education and future responsibility toward sustainable development.
Dr. Chumo emphasised the role of academic institutions and young people in achieving the national target. He noted that survival rates and proper site selection remain critical challenges in the broader campaign. Government data shows over one billion trees already logged through the JazaMiti platform, though officials acknowledge that actual establishment and long-term survival need closer monitoring.
The national programme, launched under President William Ruto’s climate restoration agenda, aims to combat deforestation, mitigate climate change effects, and restore degraded landscapes. Counties across Kenya, including those in the former Western region where Kaimosi is located, continue to mobilise communities, schools, and private entities for mass planting during the long rains season.
Focus on Indigenous Species and Sustainability
Participants stressed the preference for indigenous trees over exotic species in many restoration sites. Native varieties help restore natural ecosystems, support wildlife, and provide long-term benefits such as medicinal resources, fruits, and improved microclimates for farming.
Kaimosi Friends University has integrated environmental activities into its programmes, aligning academic work with national development priorities. The latest exercise adds to similar initiatives by other Kenyan universities and demonstrates growing institutional involvement in the tree-growing drive.
County leaders present highlighted the need for community ownership to ensure planted trees survive beyond the initial months. They called for continued collaboration between government agencies, learning institutions, and local residents.
Broader Impact on Climate and Livelihoods
Kenya’s forest cover currently stands below 10 percent in many assessments. Reaching 30 percent by 2032 would significantly improve water security, reduce soil erosion, and enhance resilience against droughts and floods that frequently affect farmers.
The 15-billion-tree goal also supports livelihoods through agroforestry, where trees are integrated with crops and livestock. Officials say successful implementation could create jobs in seedling production, nursery management, and value chains for forest products.
As the long rains continue, similar tree-planting events are expected across universities, schools, and community groups nationwide. Kaimosi Friends University’s contribution of 10,000 seedlings serves as a model for other higher learning institutions to scale up participation.
Dr. Chumo and Prof. Mwita urged all Kenyans to plant and protect trees in their localities. They reiterated that consistent, collective action remains essential if the country is to meet its 2032 target and secure a greener, more resilient future.
