Acting DVC ARSA - Prof. Martha Kiarie Planting a tree during the tree plantig exercise

By Timothy Onyango

On Friday 17th November 2023, Daystar University in conjunction with the Kenya Forest Service planted 2,000 seedlings at the Heroes’ Corner, Main Campus Athi River. The 2000 were part of 10,000 seedlings donated by the Kenya Forest Service. The tree planting event came soon after the national Tree Planting Day declared by the Government of Kenya on Monday 13th November, intended to boost the country’s forest cover towards the targeted planting of 100 million trees.

Principal Secretary Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Hon. Mugambi Gitonga, plants a tree at Main Campus Athi River

In his remarks the Chief Guest, the Principal Secretary Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Hon. Mugambi Gitonga, EBS, echoed the government’s commitment through His Excellency President William Ruto, with a view to nurturing the local timber industry by stopping furniture importation. He also revealed that there will be a Presidential award for the best performing entity or person in tree planting. He assured Daystar University of continued support from his ministry towards environmental conservation.

Also present was the County Commissioner Josephine Ouko, Office of the Member of the National Assembly, the Chief head of Agroforestry in Machakos County, and the local Assistant Chief.

Daystar University was represented by the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs, Prof. Martha Kiarie, Chief Manager HR Mr. Pius Muia, Dr. Susan Muriungi, a Lecturer in the Department of Psychology and Counselling, faculty members, staff, and students.

In her short speech Prof. Martha Kiarie underscored the significance of the activity to the Daystar Community, “It is a way of life which was initiated in 2019 and since then, the university has planted over 100,000 seedlings,” she said. She also explained that the University has employed 16 people to take care of the trees, proof of the University’s commitment to tree planting and greening efforts.

Prof. Kiarie acknowledged some of the partners who have collaborated with the University since 2019 to green the Athi River Campus, key among them: Qwetu Student Residences, The Rotaract Club of Athi River, Equity Bank, University Fund Board, Tana and Athi River Development Authority (TARDA), Cooperative Bank, The Chandaria Foundation, Global Peace Foundation, Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), and AA Insurance Company, among others. She called on every student in Daystar University to take environmental stewardship seriously, seeing that the institution is Christ-centred.

The university commends every individual who took part in the tree planting exercise in efforts to enhance Daystar Afforestation.