Kaimosi Friends University marks National Elimu Tree Planting Day, leads fight on climate change

Students from KAFU's Environment Club and Kaimosi Junior Secondary School planting trees on May 24, 2024. They planted approximately 1,500 trees. PHOTO/KAFU.
  • The event saw active participation from various stakeholders, including students, faculty members, community leaders, and environmental enthusiasts.
  • With De La Calexo Africa providing 5,000 seedlings for the event, KAFU aims to expand its reach by engaging women through the Women Congress Programme.
  • Through collaboration and innovation, KAFU seeks to address the complex challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation.

In a bid to combat climate change and foster environmental sustainability, Kaimosi Friends University (KAFU) has taken a bold step towards reforestation through its National Elimu Tree Planting campaign.

This ambitious initiative, launched on May 17, 2024, underscores KAFU’s commitment to environmental conservation and community engagement.

Aligned with the Presidential directive program for the Accelerated Restoration of Forests and Rangelands, KAFU’s tree-planting endeavour aims to contribute to the larger goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.

Led by the acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Peter Mwita and acting Deputy Vice Chancellors Prof. Amadalo (DVC AF&D) and Prof. Kipkemboi (DVC ASA&R), the event saw active participation from various stakeholders, including students, faculty members, community leaders, and environmental enthusiasts.

The significance of this initiative was further highlighted by the presence of Mr. Caleb Burudi, Founder of De La Calexo Africa, whose dedication to environmental advocacy resonated deeply with the audience.

De La Calexo Africa founder Caleb Burudi. His personal commitment to planting trees exemplified the collective effort needed to address the looming threat of climate change. PHOTO/Caleb Burudi.

Mr. Burudi’s personal commitment to planting trees exemplified the collective effort needed to address the looming threat of climate change.

With De La Calexo Africa providing 5,000 seedlings for the event, KAFU aims to expand its reach by engaging women through the Women Congress Programme, thereby extending the tree planting campaign to 194 wards in the Western region.

This inclusive approach not only promotes gender equality but also empowers communities to take ownership of environmental conservation efforts.

Beyond tree planting, KAFU’s commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in its partnership with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and its plans to restore and adapt wetlands in the region.

Through collaboration and innovation, KAFU seeks to address the complex challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation.

The momentum continued with KAFU’s 2nd National Elimu Tree Planting Day on May 24, 2024, where students from KAFU’s Environment Club and Kaimosi Junior Secondary School planted approximately 1,500 trees.

This ongoing effort, supported by Cheptulu Police Station and other local institutions, reflects the community’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.

Furthermore, KAFU’s collaboration with the Garagoli Water Resource Users Association (GAWRUA) signifies its dedication to partnership and community engagement.

Students of Kaimosi Junior Secondary School pose for a photo with Cheptulu OCS Lawi Ngetich, and KAFU’s top management led by acting VC Prof. Peter Mwita after planting trees on May 24, 2024. PHOTO/KAFU.

By working together to maintain the ecological health of the Garagoli River, KAFU and GAWRUA are setting a precedent for sustainable water resource management.

In alignment with its commitment to environmental stewardship, KAFU is advancing plans to establish the Centre of Excellence in Climate Change Action.

This initiative, supported by the University Fund and the County Government of Vihiga, aims to catalyze reforestation efforts in the Maragoli Hills and beyond.

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As we navigate the complexities of climate change, KAFU’s tree planting initiatives serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring communities to come together and take action.

Through collective effort and collaboration, we can build a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.

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Ms Dorah Nesoba is a Public Relations and Communications Specialist. Her contact: dorah.nesoba@gmail.com

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