National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) convened at the University of Nairobi, Upper Kabete Campus for a tree planting exercise as part of ongoing national efforts to restore forest cover and promote environmental sustainability.
The tree planting activity forms part of the Government’s initiative to increase Kenya’s forest cover and combat the effects of climate change through large-scale afforestation and reforestation programs. Through such initiatives, institutions across the country continue to play a key role in supporting national environmental conservation goals and promoting sustainable natural resource management.
The event brought together NACOSTI staff, local administration, Kenya Forest Service representative and university representatives in a collective effort to contribute to Kenya’s ambitious tree planting campaign.
Planting and growing trees in Kenya is critical for climate change mitigation, environmental restoration, water management, soil protection and economic empowerment with a national goal to achieve 30% tree cover by 2032 to fight deforestation. The event was graced by several key stakeholders including Philip Tuwei who attended as a representative of the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), National Government Administration representative Mwathi Mugambi and University of Nairobi, Kabete campus farm manager, Pauline Ndwiga.
In his remarks, Tuwei underscored the critical role tree planting plays in restoring and protecting biodiversity and improving livelihoods. He emphasized that institutions such as NACOSTI play an important role in promoting research and innovation that can support climate resilience, sustainable land use and conservation strategies.
Also present during the exercise was Mwathi Mugambi, the Assistant Chief representing the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) from Kitisuru. Mugambi applauded the collaborative efforts demonstrated during the event and highlighted the importance of community participation in environmental conservation activities.
The tree planting exercise saw participants plant a variety of indigenous and environmentally suitable tree species within the Upper Kabete campus grounds. The selection of these species is expected to enhance biodiversity, improve soil quality and contribute to the long-term soil conservation.
NACOSTI staff plants a seedling during the exercise
Staff from NACOSTI actively participated in the planting exercise demonstrating the Commission’s commitment to supporting environmental conservation efforts beyond its core mandate of promoting science, technology, and innovation. The initiative reflects NACOSTI’s recognition that scientific research and innovation play a vital role in addressing environmental challenges such as climate change and loss of biodiversity.
Through collaborative initiatives like this, NACOSTI continues to demonstrate its support for national development priorities that integrate science and innovation with sustainable environmental management. The tree planting exercise also served as an opportunity to raise awareness on the importance of environmental conservation and the need for collective responsibility in safeguarding Kenya’s natural resources.