By Musa Kurian
Egerton University joined government agencies, environmental conservation partners and local communities in marking this year’s Mazingira Day through a major tree-planting exercise at Logoman Forest, Teret Block, in Nakuru County.The exercise brought together hundreds of participants in a collective effort to restore degraded forest landscapes and promote environmental sustainability.

Egerton University staff and students, led by the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administration, Finance and Planning, Prof. Julius Kipkemboi, join conservation partners during the Mazingira Day tree-planting exercise at Logoman Forest, Teret Block, Nakuru County. (Photo: Courtesy)
Egerton University was represented by Prof. Julius Kipkemboi, from the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administration, Finance and Planning, alongside University staff: The Dean Faculty of Natural resources and Environmental Sciences Dr Kirui, Chair of Department Environmental Science Dr Oscar Donde leading a group of students drawn from diverse faculties.
The team joined other stakeholders in planting over 200,000 trees as part of ongoing efforts to rehabilitate degraded forest ecosystems and strengthen environmental conservation in the region.

Dr. Bernard Kirui (right), Dean of the Faculty of Environment and Resources Development; Dr. Oscar Omondi Donde (left), Chair of the Department of Environmental Science; and a faculty technician during the Mazingira Day tree-planting exercise. (Photo: Courtesy)
The exercise was spearheaded by Nakuru County Commissioner Mr. Loyford Kibaara, who led representatives from national and county government agencies, security forces, academic institutions, private sector organisations and local communities.
For Egerton University, the occasion provided another opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to environmental conservation beyond the classroom.
Through the Environmental Association, students continue to participate in practical conservation activities, gaining firsthand experience in environmental stewardship while contributing to the restoration of natural ecosystems.
The University has remained actively involved in tree-planting initiatives, environmental education and partnerships aimed at protecting forests, water catchment areas and biodiversity.

Volunteers participate in the restoration of Logoman Forest during the Mazingira Day exercise that saw over 200,000 trees planted. (Photo: Courtesy)
Mazingira Day, observed annually on October 10, provides an opportunity for Kenyans to reflect on their responsibility to protect the environment and take practical steps towards restoring degraded landscapes.
The Logoman Forest exercise demonstrated what can be achieved when institutions, government agencies and communities work together towards a common environmental goal.
For the Egerton University students who participated, the day was more than a tree-planting exercise. It was an opportunity to contribute directly to conservation efforts whose benefits will be felt by future generations.

Egerton University students plant seedlings at Logoman Forest, contributing to environmental conservation and the restoration of degraded forest ecosystems. (Photo: Courtesy)
Through such partnerships, Egerton University continues to advance its commitment to sustainable environmental management, community engagement and the protection of Kenya’s natural heritage.
Other staff include: Estates Manager Kobia Muceke, From Marketing and Resources Mobilization Office Mr Denis Odero represented and student environmentalists drawn from the Egerton University Environmental Association (EUEA).





