As we celebrate 50 years of excellence, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences and the University of Nairobi at large in partnership with the Equity Group Foundation and Kenya Forest Service held a tree planting activity at Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies and Kanyariri Vet farm on 18th May, 2021. The theme of the tree planting exercise “UoN @50, partnering in afforestation beyond the Covid pandemic,” drew participants from University of Nairobi community, Equity bank, Kenya Forest Service among others.
The exercise kicked off with the opening remarks from the host Prof. Rose Nyikal, Principal CAVS who welcomed all the guests and partners. The event was graced by the chief guest Mr. Polycarp Igathe the Equity Group Chief Commercial Officer, the Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. Julius Kamau, Deputy County Commissioner Westlands, Mr. Mwai Gicheru, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Kiama Gitahi and University management. While launching the exercise, Mr. Igathe noted the importance of trees to the well being of humanity in the provision of clean air for the sustenance of life. He stated that Equity bank will continue to partner in planting trees since ‘forests are the lungs that makes us breath and without trees we are lost’. The bank donated 7,000 tree seedlings to promote environmental conservation this planting season.
On his part, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama said that the University of Nairobi is proud to partner with all stakeholders and is committed to continuous support in environmental conservation activities.
The Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Mr. Julius Kamau, lauded Equity and the University for collaborating with the service to grow trees and Kenya Forest Service will continue to provide support. The CCF noted that the service is currently undertaking extensive tree planting activities across the country and encouraged everyone to join the movement of growing trees to achieve a 10% tree cover by next year.
A total of 7,000 indigenous tree seedlings were planted, 3000 at vet farm and remaining seedlings distributed to various campuses as part of Equity Bank's plan to plant 35 million trees countrywide in support of the government's agenda to increase the national tree cover to 10% by 2022.
