Romanus Odhiambo, Vice Chancellor of Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST), has called on all Kenyans to plant at least 300 trees annually to help achieve the nation’s 15 billion tree-planting target.
Speaking during a tree-planting event at the university’s main campus on May 15, the university don highlighted the State Department for Energy’s donation of 60,000 seedlings of various species to the community and university population in support of the presidential initiative.
Odhiambo noted that the institution’s long-term commitment to tree planting has transformed both the campus environment and the surrounding semi-arid Tigania West region over the past decade.
He said the university’s forest cover has reached 16 percent, surpassing the national average, a success he attributed to the collaborative efforts of the university, local residents, and both county and national governments.
“This place was a desert. Today, after almost 10 years, we can celebrate a forest cover of around 16 percent,” said the VC.
He emphasized the institution’s commitment to supporting the presidential initiative of greening the country and urged Kenyans to individually play their role by planting more trees.
“Because we are about 50 million people, that translates to around 300 trees every year. It is up to you and me to help the government realize its target of 15 billion trees by planting not less than 300 trees every year,” said Odhiambo.
The exercise brought together government officials, university leadership, students, farmers, and members of the local community in a collective effort to promote environmental conservation, restore forest cover, and champion a greener and more sustainable future for Kenya.
State Department for Energy Principal Secretary Alex Wachira revealed that, in addition to the 60,000 seedlings distributed to the university over the weekend, the department had set an annual target of planting 3.2 million trees in various parts of the country.
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“In Meru County, over 100,000 seedlings have been distributed to farmers in various sub-counties as part of the campaign,” Wachira said.
The PS further noted that the department has planted five million trees across the country since the campaign was launched in 2022.
By Frank Mugwe
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