Egerton University Joins Collaboration for Mau Restoration

Egerton University recently teamed up with other stakeholders in a drive to plant over 10,000 tree seedlings within the Dundori Forest Station to support the Mau Reforestation Project through the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Adopt-A-Forest model. The Green Belt Movement (GBM) and the French Government, through the French Development Agency (AFD), have adopted a block in the forest dubbed the "French Corner" for rehabilitation and restoration.

Other stakeholders in the collaboration include the Kenya Defence Forces, Nakuru and Nandi County Governments, National Environment Complaints Committee (NECC), Egerton University, and NGAOs, among others.

On Wednesday 13 October 2021, the University was represented at a tree planting event at the Ngorika Block within the Dundori Forest where 10,000 tree seedlings were planted. The event was graced by the French Ambassador to Kenya and Somalia, Her Excellency Aline Küster-Menager. The Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr. Julius Kamau, represented the cabinet Secretary for Environment and Forestry Hon. Keriako Tobiko. Egerton University was represented by Dr. Hillary Chakava who is the Alumni Relations Coordinator.

According to KFS, the 1.3 million Euros project is a great partnership opportunity for restoration of critical water towers and forest ecosystems targeting areas in Dundori, North Nandi and Tinderet forests which all form part of the expansive Mau Forest Ecosystem. Egerton University has been supporting the Mau Restoration through the annual Mau-Egerton University Cross-Country whose 8th edition will be held on 5 February 2022.