University of Eldoret Management, Staff, and Stakeholders joined together in the annual tree planting session that was held at the University Gate ‘D’. 

The President of Kenya, Dr. William Ruto, committed to increasing the forest and tree cover by planting 15 billion trees by 2032, and 10 billion by 2027, to create a more resilient and sustainable ecosystem for the citizens of Kenya and our future generations. Rallying with this call, our Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Thomas Cheruiyot launched the UoE Annual Tree Planting Day on Friday, May 17th, 2024, to grow trees as part of the climate action agenda for protection and environment conservation. In his remarks, the VC said the ‘tree’ is one of the most significant pieces of nature that contributes to the sustenance of the ecosystem as trees serve act as a natural air filter, a vital source of oxygen, a protector of soils, a refuge for birds and animals and a source of research for the University faculty. He stressed the significance of the tree planting session by reminding colleagues of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 which focuses on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. As with other government institutions, UoE has been given a target to grow 130,000 trees thus each member of staff will grow 130 trees. He mentioned growing and not planting as staff will be tasked to maintain the trees planted. To achieve this number, as the University does not have adequate planting area, one of the forests will be identified for the exercise through the partnership with Kenya Forest Services.

Prof. Cheruiyot appreciated the partners including Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) for providing tree seeds (both indigenous and exotic) which has supported the model tree nursery at the University Arboretum. Stakeholders who participated during the tree planting session included Equity Bank, Kenya Forest Services, National Council for Population and Development, State Department of Wildlife, Mama Doing Good, Flocca Treasury Team, North Rift RCE and Eldoret Iten Water Fund who provided the seedlings. 

Speaking during the event, Mr. Bernard Kigen, the Regional County Coordinator of the National Council for Population and Development appreciated the opportunity to work together with the University during the tree planting session as it is a shared governmental mandate being a Presidential Directive.

Ms. Lornah Rotich, the Equity Bank Eldoret Branch Manager, in her remarks, appreciated the partnership between Equity Bank and UoE over the years noting that the tree planting exercise resonated well with 2 of the Equity Group Foundation pillars; the education and leadership development pillar and the energy and environment pillar which focuses on clean energy, solar energy and clean cooking solutions. As a bank, she said, they have a target of planting 32 million trees and this would be achieved through the partnership pledging to provide 30,000 tree seedlings to the University.

Present at the tree planting session were Prof. Beatrice Were (Ag. DVC, Academic & Students’ Affairs), Prof. Philip Raburu (DVC, Planning, Research and Extension), Dr. Nicholas Makau (Ag. DVC, Administration & Finance), Prof. Paul Tarus (Registrar-Academic), Dr. Benjamin Mwasi (Registrar-Planning), Dr. Francis Ikapel (Ag. Registrar-Administration); Deans  - Dr. Mark Kiptui, Prof. Hosea Kiplagat, Eng. Dr. Kiptum, Prof. Donald Otieno, Dr. Caroline Ayuma, Dr. Jacob Onyango; Directors – Prof. Samuel Lutta, Prof. Linnet Gohole, Dr. Judith Makwali; Dr. Thomas Munyao (Chair of the Environmental Sustainability Committee) and members of the UoE community.