Phase 7 of Tree Planting
Betty Njoki from the State Department for Forestry, plants a tree at Athi River Campus
Daystar University has planted another 10, 000 trees at Main Campus Athi River. The tree planting exercise which took place on April 11, 2024, was led by the State Department for Forestry, and Kenya Forest services, Machakos County.
Representing the State Department for Forestry was Ms. Betty Njoki, while Kenya Forest services, Machakos County was represented by the County Forest Conservator, Ms. Milcah Mutua, Regional Coordinator, Athi Basin Mr. Gibson Mwakideu and Assistant County Commissioner Kinanie Division Ms, Jane Kathambi.
The guests were received by the Acting Vice-chancellor, Prof. Faith Nguru accompanied by the Chief Manager HR Mr. Pius Muia, Director, School of Missions and Theology Prof. Bernard Boyo, University Services Manager Ms. Caroline Mwangi, and Lecturer-Dr. Susan Muriungi, Planning officer, Mrs Ruth Mulwa, Boaz Bichage and Public Relations Officer Ms Jean Murungi.
The trees were donated courtesy of Dr. Susan Muriungi.
Speaking on behalf of the Principal Secretary State Department for Forestry- Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, Ms. Njoki said she was impressed by Daystar’s effort in tree planting, noting that this goes towards the 15 billion trees target by the President of the Republic of Kenya by 2032. Ms. Njoki revealed that the State Department for Forestry is working on mechanism for awarding institutions that are able to meet the tree planting targets.
She further called on Daystar University to consider starting a School of Forestry and a tree nursery, expounding that the Ministry is keen on working with Daystar University to develop the tree nursery to supply the University and the community.
Prof. Nguru stated that Daystar University was happy to be part of the President’s 15B trees by 2032. “As we work on the environment which we have destroyed, we should ask for wisdom from the Lord,” she said. Prof Nguru revealed that the University has planted over 40, 000 trees including fruit trees. with almost 90% success.
The tree planting exercise marked the 7th Phase of tree planting at Daystar University. State Department of forestry promised to bring 10000 more trees in the coming week.
University services manager revealed that the university has engaged staff dedicated to taking care of the trees.