Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) held a Tree planting event on Saturday, November 3, 2018. The theme of the Tree Planting exercise was “Panda Miti, Boresha Maisha”.  MUST is among the sites identified in Tigania West sub-county by the Government of Kenya to plant trees. The nationwide exercise aims to increase the overall forest cover in our country to 10% by 2022.

Hon. (Dr.) John K. Mutunga, Member of Parliament – Tigania West was the Chief Guest during the Tree Planting event.  Speaking when he presided during the launch of the Tigania West sub-county Tree Planting at Meru University of Science and Technology, Dr. Mutunga appealed to the community to take the responsibility of taking care of the trees planted at MUST and Nchuura Hill.  Dr. Mutunga appreciated all stakeholders involved in the exercise including the Kenya Forest Service, Ministry of Environment, Kenya Tea Development Authority, MUST staff and students and the community.

Prof. Romanus Odhiambo, Vice-Chancellor of MUST, in his address appreciated the Tigania West Member of Parliament, Hon. (Dr.) John Mutunga for the support he has continued to extend to the University.  Prof. Odhiambo also appreciated the support received from the area politicians, local leaders, government administrators as well as the community. The Vice-Chancellor said that planted tree seedlings should be well protected and nurtured, so that they can contribute to increasing our national forest cover, enhance environmental sustainability and improve the livelihoods of the community and all Kenyans.

Among the guests present at the tree planting event were Mrs. Sheila Kanyuithia Mutunga, Mr. Christopher Kapula, representing the Ecosystem Conservatoire of Meru County, Ms. Caroline Mutiga, County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Environment, Wildlife and Natural Resources in Meru County, Mr. S. O. Apokhwa, Deputy County Commissioner, Tigania West Sub-County, Mr. Patrick Kiita, Tigania West Sub-County Forester.

10,000 trees were planted at the University during the launch while 5,000 were planted at Nchuura Hill. MUST donated 700 tree seedlings for planting at Nchuura Hill. The County Government of Meru donated 2,000 tree seedlings to the University towards this environmental conservation initiative.