OVER 14,000 TREES PLANTED AT THE FIELD STATION IN UPPER
KABETE CAMPUS, UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI, ON 16 TH APRIL, 2024
Climate change and the negative effects associated with it, is now common knowledge
across the world and especially in the fragile environments in the tropics. Individual and
collective effort is urgently needed to mitigate the effects of climate change. Tree
planting and restoration of forest ecosystems has been adopted as one of the strategies
of mitigating the effects of climate change. As a premier institution of higher learning,
the University of Nairobi has taken a leading role in environmental stewardship, which is
the key to sustainable development. For many years now, the University and her
partners have been participating in two annual tree planting events. In view of the
Kenya Government’s target of planting at least 15 billion trees by the year 2032, the
University has stepped up its tree planting drive.
Through a multilateral partnership involving Equity Bank, Greens of Africa Foundation,
Kenya Army Corps of Transport and the University of Nairobi, more than 14,000
indigenous tree seedlings were planted at the Field Station in Upper Kabete Campus.
Pictures of the event that brought environmental champions, bankers, soldiers and
students have been attached to this report as evidence of a synergistic partnership
towards tree growing. The balance, out of a total of 60,000 tree seedlings that were
donated by Equity Bank, will be planted in different farms and campuses within the
University of Nairobi and neighboring learning institutions. The actual site where the
14,000 trees were planted is opposite Mandela Hostel, next to the new playground and
between Loresho Ridge and Kapenguria Roads. It is worth noting that the newly planted
area is an expansion of an emerging forest block where more than 4000 trees were
planted on 14 th December 2023 through a partnership with the Elgon Kenya.
The Miyawaki Method, that is known to support rapid establishment of indigenous
forests, was adopted as recommended by the Environmental Stewardship Committee of
the Faculty of Agriculture. According to the method, indigenous forests are layered with
four categories of native plantings: main tree species, sub-species, shrubs, and ground-
covering herbs. Using this four-category system, along with knowledge of mutualistic
co-existence of trees, Miyawaki designed a new system of planting forests. The soil of a
future forest site is analyzed and then improved, using locally available amendments
such as rice husks from a nearby mill, manure, mulch, and crop residues. Many local
plant species from the above four categories are selected and planted as seedlings in a
random mix that mimics forests growing naturally in the wild. The seedlings are planted
at a very high density of 20,000 to 30,000 per hectare as opposed to 1,000 per hectare
in commercial forests. For a period of two to three years, the site is monitored, watered,
and weeded, to give the nascent forest every chance to establish itself.
The activities that will follow the planting exercise will include watering and weed control
in tree plots for at least six months after planting and manuring to improve water holding
capacity. Mulching will be done around the base of the seedlings as well as use of soil
conditioners such as hydrogels to reduce moisture loss through seepage and
evaporation. Weak tree seedlings will be propped while nipping of excess lateral stems
will be done to enhance vertical growth. Shade will be provided to the vulnerable plant
species using branches from existing tress.
To all those who care about the environment, the tree planting drive is at top speed. An
appeal is hereby sent to all members of staff, students and alumni contribute to the
annual University of Nairobi quota of 260, 000 trees per year. The range of trees that
could be selected includes indigenous, fruit, plantation, and ornamental trees. The tree
planting sites may include, but not limited to, private family farms, primary and
secondary schools, community owned land, and public land in any of the counties as
well as University of Nairobi owned land in the various campuses and farms.
Regardless of the selected site(s), evidence of the trees planted should be conserved in
the form of photographs and short reports indicating the location, tree species and the
number planted. In addition, the trees planted should be registered on the JazaMiti
Platform under the University of Nairobi account. It is advisable to update the JazaMiti
app right in the tree planting site where it uploads the tree planting area or site on a real
time basis. The next best time to plant a tree is NOW!
