Egerton University staff and students participate in a tree planting event at Main Campus in Njoro

To promote environmental conservation, Egerton University staff, students and the community, on Saturday 31 July 2021, held a tree planting event at the University's Water Dam site next to University Botanical Garden.

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEEN), and the Department of Natural Resources (NARE), in conjunction with the Egerton University Students Association (EUSA) organized the event that saw 2,674 seedlings planted that day.

"This is a step forward. By planting these trees, you are not only doing good for yourself but also for the country's future generation as we contribute towards mitigating against effects of climate change and overall University strategic goal of Rehabilitating the Mau Forest and increase the water flow to Lake Nakuru through River Njoro. We look forward to many more tree planting events by Egerton University students, staff and community," CEEN Chair of Department, Eng. Dr Maati Ondari, said while speaking at the event.

Participants in the event pledged to take the event beyond the one-day activity by adopting and nurturing the seedlings they had planted. In addition to tree planting, the function also served as a platform to raise funds that will be used to fabricate dustbins within the Main Campus. Egerton University will facilitate the installation of these dustbins during an upcoming University clean-up day.

The Chinese Director, Confucius Institute Li Zhenghon, who graced the event, used the event to teach their Chinese and African students the importance of cooperation and collaboration to improve the environment and fight climate change. Participating departments included the Directorate of Marketing and Resource Mobilization represented by Dr Chakava, Faculties of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Arts and Social Sciences, Agriculture and  Confucius Institute.

The University Management Board (UMB) wishes to thank students and staff from the  Department of Natural Resources (NARE) and Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEEN) and Egerton University Students Association (EUSA) led by Chair of Department, Eng. Dr Maati Ondari for planting over 2000 tree seedlings at University dam next to Botanical Garden as we all team up to contribute towards Rehabilitating the Mau forest and increase. We wish to also thank Directors of Confucius Institute for supporting the event. We look forward towards future activities including cleaning of University and its environs led by students.