The University of Eldoret marked the 2nd Edition of its University Tree Growing Day on June 5th, 2025, in commemoration of World Environment Day under the theme “Putting an End to Plastic Pollution.” The event, held along the Marura Swamp area, served not only as an institutional commitment to national environmental goals but also as a practical step toward the TAGDev 2.0 programme’s long-term objective of greening landscapes along the ASEC Dairy Value Chain.
In a speech delivered on behalf of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Thomas Cheruiyot, Prof. Godfrey Netondo, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Students’ Affairs, emphasized the significance of the initiative as part of Kenya’s Presidential National Tree Growing Restoration Campaign, which targets the planting of 15 billion trees by 2032. “We intend to plant at least 3,000 trees today and distribute 5,000 seedlings to staff and neighboring communities bringing our total to 13,000 trees,” he stated.
The TAGDev 2.0 program, under the leadership of Prof. Julius Ochuodho, played a pivotal role in this year’s activities by providing 3,000 seedlings earmarked for primary and secondary schools. This contribution aligns with TAGDev’s 10-year strategy to integrate environmental sustainability into agricultural transformation, specifically within the dairy value chain. By promoting tree growing as a complementary component to agribusiness development, the programme aims to mitigate the effects of climate change, restore degraded ecosystems, and enhance community resilience.
The event drew participation from a wide range of stakeholders including the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kenya Forest Service (KFS), National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO), the University of Eldoret High School, Moi Marura Primary School, local administrators, and community members all united in the vision of environmental restoration and sustainability.
Other members of the University leadership present included Prof. Wilson Ng’etich (DVC – Administration and Finance), Prof. Philip Raburu (DVC – Planning, Research, and Extension), Dr. Benjamin Mwasi (Registrar, Planning), Prof. Betty Korir (Director, Strategic Planning and Performance Contracting), Dr. Mark Kiptui (Dean, School of Environmental Sciences), and Dr. Kenneth Odhiambo (Chair, Environmental Sustainability and University Greening Committee).
As part of a broader institutional strategy, the University reaffirmed its commitment to aligning academic, research, and community outreach activities with climate action. The integration of tree growing with education, local engagement, and value chain development sets the foundation for a greener, more sustainable future—firmly rooted in the shared goals of the University, the government, and the TAGDev 2.0 program.
