The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Benedict Mutua today led members of staff and students in marking the Tree Growing Day as declared last week by the Government. The VC indicated that the University was committed to setting up of tree nursery with key focus in planting indigenous and fruit trees. The VC was speaking at South B Campus where the event was marked. It was part of the nationwide campaign that was led by President William Ruto who called on Kenyans to participate in tree planting countrywide. The Government targets to have at least 15 billion trees grown countrywide by 2032.
The VC further challenged the staff and students to take up personal and communal initiatives to planting trees.
It was disclosed that the University was set to grow at least 3 million tree seedlings as part of its contribution to the country’s efforts to curb the effects of climate change.
The University has partnered with Nature Lover Consultant in growing tree seedlings at the campus. Other organizations who participated in today’s exercise were: the Kenya Youths in Forestry, Rotary Club of TU-K, Youth for Green Action Kenya (TU-K) and the Environmental Club of TU-K.
The DVC, Institutional Advancement & Enterprise Prof. Paul Wambua said growing trees will go a long way in cutting down carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Prof. Alfred Orina, the DVC - Research and Technology Development also noted that besides planting, people should nature the trees to maturity.
On the same note, Nature Lover Consultant, CEO, Dr. Mary Manana said failure to attend to tree seedings gives them a survival rate of 30%. “The reason we are calling this campaign ‘Tree growing’ is because we nurture them after planting, treat them like children.”