Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage on Wednesday attended the First Edition Stock-Take Meeting of the Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme (MFC-ICLIP) at Radisson Blu Hotel Nairobi Upper Hill, alongside Director of Marketing and Resource Mobilization Nzula Kitaka.
Egerton University Vice-Chancellor attentively follows the proceedings during the Mau Forest Complex Restoration Gains presentation at the MFC-ICLIP Stock-Take Meeting
The high-level breakfast meeting, convened under the patronage of PS Dr. Eng. Ng’eno, brought together conservation partners, development agencies, government representatives and academic institutions to review milestones, lessons learned and emerging priorities in safeguarding the Mau Forest ecosystem.
In his invitation to partners, the PS underscored the need to reflect on the journey so far, renew collective commitment, and align action toward protecting the critical water tower while improving community livelihoods.
During the MFC-ICLIP presentation session, Egerton University was accorded time to outline its strategic partnership within the programme.
Prof Kibwage emphasized the University’s strategic location within the greater Mau ecosystem, noting that its Njoro Campus places the institution at the heart of conservation research, restoration and community engagement.The Vice Chancellor reiterated that since its establishment in 1939, Egerton has remained at the forefront of environmental stewardship through research, climate-smart agriculture and, more recently, conservation agriculture.
The Egerton University Vice-Chancellor (third from right, second row) poses for a group photo with stakeholders during the Mau Forest Complex (MFC-ICLIP) Stock-Take Meeting on restoration gains
He highlighted the University’s innovative use of sports as an advocacy platform, citing the successful completion of the 11th Egerton Mau Cross Country, which raises awareness on ecosystem protection.Organizers also acknowledged the contribution of more than 20 Egerton students from Kuresoi who volunteered and supported Athletics Kenya during the inaugural Mau Marathon in Kuresoi, reinforcing youth participation in conservation action.Prof Kibwage further detailed Egerton’s restoration initiatives, including the rehabilitation of the source of Njoro River at Entiyani in Narok County.
“The river had dried up, but now with the restoration, the water is flowing in the river,” he noted, describing it as evidence of science-backed intervention.
He also cited the reclamation of the former dumping site of the defunct 'Nakuru Municipality', now restored and handed over to youth groups cultivating seedlings.
As discussions concluded, Prof Kibwage welcomed partners to the upcoming Mau Summit Conference scheduled for April at Egerton University’s Njoro Campus, affirming the institution’s role in organizing and hosting the MFC-ICLIP forum.
“I look forward to seeing you at Egerton in April,” he said.
By Kurian Musa
