WELCOMING REMARKS BY PROF. ISAAC O. KIBWAGE VICE CHANCELLOR EGERTON UNIVERSITY DELIVERED ON FRIDAY, 19TH MAY 2023 DURING THE TREE PLANTING EXERCISE

The Prime Cabinet Secretary, Honourable Musalia Mudavadi

The Principal Secretary for Performance and Delivery Management, Ms Esther Ngero

The Principal Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs, Ms Aurelia Rono

The Governor, Her Excellency Susan Kihika

The Senator, Honourable Tabitha Karanja

Njoro Member of Parliament, Honourable Charity Kathambi

Chairman, Egerton University Council, Amb. Dr Hukka Wario

Senior Government Officials

Members of the University Management Board

Members of staff, students, and the community

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning and welcome to this momentous occasion—the tree planting exercise at Egerton University. Today, we gather here with a shared purpose: to make a positive impact on our environment and preserve the beauty and abundance of nature for future generations.

I am deeply honoured to stand before you as the Vice Chancellor of Egerton University, an institution that has always championed environmental conservation. Today's event is a testament to our unwavering commitment to these principles.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Cabinet Secretary, Honorable Musalia Mudavadi, for gracing us with his presence today. Your participation and support underscore the importance of environmental conservation at the highest levels of governance. Your presence here today inspires us all to redouble our efforts in protecting our natural resources.

To the University Management Board members, staff, and students, I commend your dedication and enthusiasm in making this event a reality. Your commitment to environmental stewardship is commendable and sets an example for others to follow. Today, we are not merely planting trees; we are sowing the seeds of change and nurturing a culture of environmental responsibility.

By planting the 10,000 trees within our Main Campus, we are taking a significant step towards conserving the Mau Ecosystem and contributing to the Presidential Initiative of planting 15 billion trees by 2030. These trees will beautify our surroundings and contribute to cleaner air, healthier ecosystems, and a sustainable future.

I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to the organizations and community-based groups that have contributed tree seedlings for this exercise. Your support reflects a shared vision of a sustainable future, and we are grateful for your partnership.

Ladies and gentlemen, let us remember that our efforts extend beyond this moment. Let us nurture them, watch them grow, and witness the transformative power of collective action.  In addition, may this event serve as a catalyst for further actions and initiatives that will protect our natural heritage and safeguard our planet for generations to come.

Thank you all for your participation and for being agents of change in our pursuit of a greener, healthier, and more sustainable world. Together, let us plant the seeds of a brighter future.

Thank you.