Dedan Kimathi Foundation Honors Promise with Bamboo Donation to University of Kabianga

In a continued effort to promote a culture of conservation beyond specific environmental dates, the Dedan Kimathi Foundation has delivered 1,000 ornamental bamboo seedlings at the University of Kabianga and participated in planting a fraction. Taking place on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, it was a fulfillment of a promise made by the foundation’s CEO to the institution during the national World Bamboo Day celebrations held on Thursday, September 18, 2025. The earlier event was officiated by Dr. Deborah Barasa, the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry.

Aligned with the theme ‘Bamboo for the people, Planet and Climate Action,’ a meeting was held by the foundation’s team, led by CEO Ms. Evelyn Kimathi, with university officials. Chaired by Professor Isaac Naibei, the university’s Deputy Vice Chancellor of Administration, the discussion focused on the critical need to increase the national bamboo cover, noting that despite high demand for its products, bamboo remains an uncommon plant in the region.

Bamboo is a fast-growing grass with over 1,700 species, though it is often mistakenly categorized as a tree. It is second only to mangroves in its ability to sequester carbon, playing a vital role in climate change mitigation. It can absorb 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide per hectare and release 35% more oxygen into the atmosphere than the average tree.

Making their remarks, Professor Peter Sirma, head of the Agriculture and Natural Resources department, stated that the University of Kabianga is a strong advocate for sustainable environmental practices through its teaching, research, and practical initiatives. Professor Naibei expressed his gratitude for the foundation’s voluntary contributions to conservation. He also noted that engaging more young people in tree-planting activities gives them an opportunity to contribute to nation-building and helps combat the idleness often associated with high rates of unemployment.

Ms. Evelyn Kimathi assured the university of the foundation’s continued support for sustainable tree-growing projects both on and off campus. This support will include donating seedlings, raising awareness about climate change, and providing capacity-building training to university-adjecent communities to boost the impact of the National Tree Growing and Forests Restoration Campaign, which aims to achieve 30% tree cover. She also urged the university to promote student environmental ambassadors to encourage greater environmental action.