The University through the Directorate of Research and Innovation in liaison with The Restoration Alliance held a two-day Inaugural Conference on Climate Change and Ecosystem Restoration-ICCCER-2024 themed Rethinking Our Ecosystems on 31st October-1st November, 2024 at the New Site (NS) Building.

The conference was officially opened by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Planning Research and Extension (PRE) Prof. Phillip Raburu who was representing the Vice-Chancellor. In his remarks, he acknowledged the importance of enhancing sustainability in meeting the changing balance within the ecosystem. He called upon the participant present to advance the needed synergies towards restoring our ecosystems.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Restoration Alliance Mr. Kenfrey Kipchumba on the other hand was critical in identifying the thorny issues affecting our ecosystem. He noted that this conference is centred on exploring actionable strategies for ecosystem sustainability and inspiring the masses to advance actions that are centred upon restoration of the ecosystem. He called upon the local community to activity participate on the protection and conserving of the ecosystem. He implored the members present to join the viable community, regional and international bodies centred upon advancing the needed restoration efforts of the ecosystem. He finalized by encouraging all the participants to utilize this platform to network and embrace each other’s opinions for the betterment of humanity and nature.

On 31st October, 2024, presentations from Dr. Sylvia Buleti from CIFOR-ICRAF, Samuel Ofori from Ghana on Mangrove Conservation and Restoration and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) (Virtually), John Ngahu from Laikipia Worldlife Forum, Sammy Kipkorir Kigen representing CPA. Edwin Rotich from North Rift Valley Water Works Development Authority (NRVWWDA) on Sustainable Water Management Practices and Conservation Efforts, and Prof. Joana Rosello, from the Technical University of Madrid, Spain on ‘Bamboo-living’: Feasibility and Study of Bamboo Value Chain application in Refugee Camps and their host communities in Turkana County Kenya(Virtually), were made.

Moreover, panel discussions by Mr. Julius Songok, Regional Manager Rift Valley and Western, ABSA Bank, Mr. Fred Kosgei, Ag. Managing Director, Eldowas, Prof. Phillip Raburu DVC (PRE) University of Eldoret, and Mr. Dickson Njunge, portfolio Manager of MaliAsili organization were conducted and moderated by Mr. Kenfrey Kipchumba, CEO of The Restoration Alliance. 
On 1st November 2024, presentations from Salvatore Correddu, CEO Amb. Bitok Foundation on Empowering Communities and Advancing Ecosystem Restoration to Combat Climate Change in Kenya, and Mr. Steve Kibet, the programme manager Eldoret-Iten Water Fund, the Nature Conservancy CIFOR-ICRAF on Collaborative Watershed Restoration in Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet were conducted.

Likewise, a panel discussion session moderated by Prof. Lizzy Mwamburi saw a critical discussion on the theme by Dr. Frank Masese, Director Industrial Linkages, Partnership and Collaboration, UoE, Mr. Teddy Murigi Dr. Pascaline Jeruto, and Dr. George Ariya, among many more. Also present during the conference were partners from Scope Intervention, EcoSmart Africa Foundation, Centre for International Forest Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), ABSA Bank, North Rift Valley Water Works Development Authority (NRVWWDA), Laikipia Worldlife Forum among many more.