KISII — Kisii University has initiated a large-scale tree planting campaign by planting 3,000 tree seedlings at Nyosia farm in Kisii Central Sub-County, as a response to climate change challenges. This initiative is part of a broader collaboration with several organizations, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), National Research Fund (NRF), National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI), and AAR Hospital.

According to Kenya News Agency, the university is dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability. He highlighted the university’s participation in President William Ruto’s 15 billion trees campaign, noting that over 16,000 tree seedlings have been planted on university grounds and in surrounding community farms since the campaign's inception.

Professor Ogechi emphasized the importance of community and institutional collaboration to foster a healthier environment and encouraged faculty members to involve students in research projects addressing environmental change. Additionally, NRF Chairperson Professor Ratemo Michieka, who attended the event, called on students to focus on reforestation and forest restoration efforts. He stressed the importance of nurturing the planted seedlings to ensure their growth to maturity, underscoring the potential loss if the young trees are not adequately cared for.

Joel Ongoto, representing UNESCO, expressed the organization’s commitment to supporting the national government’s agenda of planting 15 billion trees to restore the environment.