Environmental Week Activities carried out between 12th - 17th June 2023

Introduction

The Environment Sustainability Committee (ESC) planned and carried out several activities between 12^th and 17^th June 2023. While the dates between 12^th and 17^th June aimed at having the official Environmental Week and Tree planting exercise, the activities begun on 1^st of June of 2023 and flowed upto 22^nd of June 2023. Needless to say the exercise is not limited to the week’s events only but is an it’s a continuous process throughout the year with a focus on optimizing the weather conditions, availability of staff, students and surrounding community. This year, the ESC had an alternative approach which involved incorporating the surrounding community that includes public schools, Community Based Organizations (CBOs). This year the ESC targeted 5000 Cyperus and Eucalyptus trees that were planted at select blocks (2 blocks East of the University- at the border of the University and surrounding community, at the Sewage Plant- 2 blocks and between UBC. Apart from 5000 exotic tree species, the committee targeted provided 20 mature indigenous trees that were planted during the 5^th Biennial Laikipia University Conference and Exhibition that was held between 24^th & 26^th of May 2023. The 20 seedlings were planted during the official opening of the function by the guest speakers, Members of the University Management Board (UBM) as well as some members of the conference organizing committee. The main tree planting exercise begun by digging of the 5000 holes, the official opening of the exercise by the acting Vice Chancellor Prof Goro Kamau on 14^th June 2023 and planting of the trees from 14^th June 2023 to 22^nd June 2023. This years theme was ‘’Plugging into the National Tree Planting initiative’’. The initiative launched by His Excellency the President of Kenya Dr. William Samoie Ruto. The initiative targets to plant 15 billion trees in Kenya by 2032 a move that will work towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, stopping and reversing deforestation and restoring 5.1 million hectares of deforested and degraded landscapes through the African Landscape Restoration Initiative.

Apart from the LU members of staff member of the surrounding community, and Government of Kenya Institutions,  also participated. These included:

1. Kenya Forestry Service (KFS)- Nyahururu
2. Kenya Forestry Research Institute- Rumuruti
3. Laikipia University Primary School
4. Igwamiti Primary School
5. Daring Eagles CBO – CBO that focused on tree seedling production as well as tree planting
6. Laikipia Youth Group – Group focused on increased forestry coverage in Laikipia County 

This year the ESC managed to plant more 5000 trees and donated 1000 tree seedlings to the surrounding communities and select institutions. Seedlings were donated to surrounding community through the Laikipia University Catholic Chapel, Laikipia University Primary School, Igwamiti Primary School and the Daring Eagles CBO. Following the successful tree planting  partnership, the institutions and CBOs have promised to work with Laikipia University in future to ensure increased tree seedling production, increased forest cover in Laikipia County as well as increased environmental integrity awareness in Laikipia County.