The University of Eldoret held the 2nd Edition of the University Tree Growing Day, coinciding with the observance of the World Environmental Day celebrated on June 5th, 2025, under the theme “Putting an end to Plastic Pollution.”
Prof. Thomas Cheruiyot, the Vice-Chancellor, in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Prof. Godfrey Netondo, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Students’ Affairs, emphasized the significance of the tree planting initiative, stating, “what we are undertaking today is part of the University’s response and contribution to the Presidential directive on the ‘National Tree Growing Restoration Campaign’ which aims to plant a minimum of 15 billion trees by the year 2032. In this regard, we intend to plant at least 3,000 trees today and distribute 5,000 tree seedlings to our staff and the neighboring community, thereby elevating the total number of trees grown to 13,000.”
He stated that, as part of the National Tree Growing Restoration Campaign, the University joined the global community in commemorating two important environment related events: the International Day of Forests (IDF) observed annually on 21st of March and World Environment Day (WED). In this context, he emphasized that nurturing forests was a fundamental function that contributed to the sustenance of humanity through climate amelioration and the promotion of sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, he remarked that the eradication of plastic pollution substantially enhanced ecosystem health, thereby enriching biodiversity and strengthening resilience against climate change. The University, he noted, through its Environmental Sustainability and The University Greening Committee, remained steadfastly committed to the Presidential National Tree Growing Campaign and Climate Change Resilience initiatives for sustainable national development.
The stakeholders who joined during the tree planting activity included the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet offices, Kenya Forest Service (KFS), National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) University of Eldoret High School and Moi Marura Primary School, the local administration and the local community.
The TAGDev 2.0 programme, under the leadership of Prof. Julius Ochuodho, provided 3,000 tree seedlings, which are set to be distributed to primary and secondary educational institutions.
Members of the University community led by Prof. Godfrey Netondo included, Prof. Wilson Ng’etich (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, AF), prof. Philip Raburu (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, PRE), Dr. Benjamin Mwasi (Registrar-Planning), Prof. Julius Ochuodho (Director, Resource Mobilization and Strategic Initiatives), Prof. Betty Korir (Director, Strategic Planning and Performance Contracting), Dr. Mark Kiptui (Dean, School of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management) and, Dr Kenneth Odhiambo (Chair, Environmental Sustainability and University Greening Committee).
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