University of Kabianga Bilated World Bamboo Day Planting

In efforts to continue instilling a culture of conservation beyond marked environmental days, Dedan Kimathi Foundation has today, Wednesday 24th September 2025, delivered 1,000 pieces of ornamental bamboo seedlings and participated in planting some with the university administration and students. This was in honor of the promise made by the foundation CEO to the institution on Thursday 18th September 2025 World Bamboo Day national celebrations presided by the Environment, Climate Change and Forestry CS Dr. Deborah Barasa.

In line with the theme ‘Bamboo for the people, Planet and Climate Action’, the foundation team led by the CEO Ms. Evelyn Kimathi held a boardroom engagement chaired by the university Deputy Vice Chancellor in-charge of Administration, Prof. Isaac Naibei, sorrounding the need for increased national bamboo cover. Notably, bamboos are not very common despite the high demand for their products.

With over 1,700 species, bamboos are fast growing grasses often erroneously classified as trees. They are second in carbon sequestration after mangrove playing a crucial role in climate change mitigation as they have the ability to absorb 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide per hectare and release 35% more oxygen into the atmosphere than average trees.

In their remarks, Prof. Peter Sirma; head of Agriculture and Natural Resources department, termed University of Kabianga as a high valuer of sustainable environment practices through teaching, research and practice. Prof. Naibei appreciated the foundation’s contribution in the conservation sector on volunteerism. He observed that involvement of more youths in tree growing activities offer them an opportunity to contribute in nation building activities countering idleness due to high rates of unemployment.

Ms. Evelyn assured the institution of the foundation’s support in sustainable tree growing activities within and outside the university through donation of tree seedlings, climate change sensitization and capacity building to grow impact in the National Tree Growing and Forests Restoration Campaign to achieve 30% tree cover. She called upon the university to create environmental ambassadors from the students for to increase environmental action.