Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) once again demonstrated unwavering commitment to community support by partnering with Meru Hospice to plant trees as part of a larger effort to support cancer patients. The event, attended by dignitaries, partners and community members, marked a powerful collaboration aimed at both environmental conservation and compassionate care for cancer patients.

Gladys Mucee, CEO of Meru Hospice, could barely contain her excitement as she expressed her gratitude “Today is a day I have long awaited. Thank you to MUST and the Vice-Chancellor for this great support. By giving us the opportunity to plant trees, we are not only supporting the patients we serve but also leaving a legacy for future generations. The trees you plant today will flourish, creating a beautiful environment we will all be proud to be associated with.”

This initiative, dubbed the Green Hope: One Tree One Life Campaign, represents a shared responsibility to care for the earth and its people. Meru University of Science and Technology, alongside event partners such as Lions Club International, Mafuko Industries, Kenya Urban Roads Authority, Meru Doctor’s Plaza Hospital, Mediwell Healthcare, the Office of the Ombudsman, Kenya Rural Roads Authority, Life care Hospital, Higher Education Loans Board, the County Government of Meru, Kenya Forest Service, Mount Kenya Dairy, and many more, came together to make a significant impact.

Kinoti G.K., Chair of the Board of Meru Hospice, took a moment to acknowledge the tremendous support the organization has received, saying, “This partnership goes beyond tree planting. It is a demonstration of what can be achieved when we come together for the common good.”

MUST’s commitment to environmental stewardship was highlighted by Prof. Simon Thuranira, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, stating “At Meru University of Science and Technology, we take pride in having 14% forest cover, surpassing the national average of 10%. Today, we are planting hope. Our students actively participate in environmental events and medical camps, and we are always looking for opportunities to give back to the community.”

Prof. Charity Gichuki, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Administration, Finance, and Planning (DVC AFP), expressed her joy in being part of the tree planting initiative “Today we are planting trees in support of cancer patients and I am very happy to be part of this great initiative,” she said. Prof. Gichuki warmly acknowledged all the distinguished guests present and extended her gratitude to the Band from Bishop Lawi Imathiu Secondary School for their wonderful performance, making everyone feel at home and enhancing the spirit of the event.

The University’s forester, Serah Riungu, guided the ceremonial planting of the trees, a symbolic act that connected the event to the greater goal of environmental conservation and community service. The collaboration extended beyond tree planting, as the day also saw MUST students participating in a clean-up exercise at Nchiru Market further evidence of the University’s holistic approach to community engagement.

Meru University’s dedication to its mandate – training, research, and community service -was clear. The University’s 76 acres of land under forest cover are a testament to the University’s environmental focus. This tree planting initiative underscores a broader vision of creating a sustainable future not only for the University but for the entire Meru region and beyond.

The event culminated in a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony, signifying the official launch of the tree planting initiative. The air was filled with a sense of purpose and hope as students, staff and community members planted trees, each one a living promise of continued support for Meru Hospice’s mission.

The Vice-Chancellor’s ongoing leadership has fostered strong partnerships and empowered the University to take an active role in the fight for a healthier environment and society. Through initiatives like this, MUST exemplifies how academic institutions can transform communities – one tree, one act of kindness and one partnership at a time. MUST remains committed to being a beacon of service to the community, always ready to nurture hope and a greener tomorrow.