Egerton University welcomed a significant delegation from the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) in a collaborative endeavor to bolster environmental conservation efforts within Nakuru County, Kenya.

In a meeting held on April 25th, 2024, aiming to explore opportunities for collaboration in support of President William Ruto's ambitious initiative to plant 15 billion trees within a specified timeframe, crucial for safeguarding the nation's wetlands.

"This alliance signifies a significant stride towards our shared vision of a greener, more resilient Kenya," Prof. Kibwage said while he welcomed the team led by Prof. Charles K. Ngome, a distinguished education researcher and NEEMA Board member.

Prof. Ngome was accompanied by two Officials from Nakuru County Office, Ms. Njoki Mukiri-Regional Director of Environment, NEEMA, Rift Valley and Mr. Joseph M. Kopejo-County Director, NEEMA Nakuru County.

In a candid exchange of ideas, Prof. Kibwage illuminated Egerton University's remarkable contributions to wetland restoration, a facet of their environmental endeavors that had hitherto remained relatively undisclosed. From the rehabilitation and handover of the Njoro River to innovative initiatives such as launching plastics burning and organizing the renowned Run for the Mau Marathon, Egerton's commitment to environmental stewardship emerged resolutely.

“We have done the rehabilitation and hand over of the Njoro River rehabilitation, launching of plastics burning at the University in 2017, 9th Editions of Run for the Mau Marathon and creation of a botanical garden at the University,” said Prof. Kibwage.

The Vice Chancellor warmly embraced the concept of wetlands restoration and expressed Egerton University's eagerness to collaborate with NEEMA to further enhance its influence in this vital area. Additionally, he revealed that the university is currently compiling a comprehensive fact sheet detailing its extensive history of restoration efforts. NEEMA officials from the Nakuru office were requested to organize lectures on Environmental Restoration and to actively involve additional partners, recognizing the pivotal role that institutions of higher learning play in ecosystem restoration endeavors.

Prof. Kibwage further underscored the university's Green Club activities, annual tree donations to the community, and the accolades garnered for environmental restoration activities over the years.

Nema Impressed by Egerton's Conservation efforts

Impressed by Egerton's proactive approach, the Nakuru team expressed keen interest in collaborating to amplify the impact of conservation efforts, particularly in the restoration of the Keringet forest area and Kenyatta Dam within Nakuru County.

In response, Prof. Kibwage extended a warm invitation for NEEMA to partner with Egerton University in restoring key ecological assets, including the Kenyatta Dam. He pledged the university's full support, offering to allocate a substantial acreage of land within the campus premises for NEEMA's tree planting initiatives.

The Nakuru team were asked to arrange for the planting of the right tree species at the 10 acre piece of land at Keringeti and the University will continue to provide necessary support. The Vice Chancellor promised to allocate one (1) Acre piece of Land within the University to NEEMA for tree growing.

The discussion culminated in plans for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Egerton University and NEEMA, symbolizing their shared commitment to environmental sustainability. With preparations underway to document Egerton's extensive restoration activities, the collaboration between academia and environmental authorities promises to usher in a new era of conservationism in Kenya.

In the Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage’s boardroom, he was accompanied by Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Research (ARE) Prof. Benard Aduda, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration Planning and Development (APD) Prof. Richard Mulwa, Director of International Linkages Prof. Charles M'erimba, Director of Timetabling and Environmental Science Professor Gilbert Obwoyere, and Dean of the Faculty of Environment Prof. Wilkister Moturi, received the proposal with keen interest.

By Kurian Musa

Communications Officer

Directorate of Marketing and Resource Mobilization

Egerton University

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Egerton University's commitment to academic excellence was reaffirmed as its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Kibwage, and Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academics Research and Extension, Prof. Bernard Aduda, actively participated in the ACE II Project Completion Report Writeshop held at the Technical University of Mombasa.