Rongo University, in collaboration with local schools, farming communities, and community-based organizations in Migori County, officially launched a bold environmental conservation program dubbed the Greening Initiative on 22nd May 2025. Spearheaded by Prof. Daniel Nyamai, Head of Environmental Studies, and supported by Vice Chancellor Prof. Samuel Gudu, the initiative aims to mitigate climate change impacts through large-scale tree planting and public engagement.
The project, launched at Kitere Comprehensive School in Rongo Sub-county, sets out to plant at least 20,000 trees during its first phase, with a long-term goal of achieving significant tree cover across Migori County. Prof. Gudu emphasized the urgent need for action, citing the region’s increasing vulnerability to climate change effects such as drought, heat stress, soil erosion, and erratic rainfall.
“As a learning institution with a dedicated Department of Environment, it is important that we also engage physically in tree planting exercises to save our environment, beyond just offering classroom knowledge,” Prof. Gudu remarked during the launch.
Prof. Nyamai, a central figure in the initiative, noted that Migori has a dangerously low tree cover of less than one percent. “This is unsustainable for soil and water conservation,” he said. “To reverse this trend, we aim to achieve a 20 to 30 percent tree cover in the region. This initiative is about restoring balance to our ecosystem. Through collective action, we can change the trajectory of our environment, one tree at a time.” He added that the program is not just about planting trees, but nurturing a culture of environmental stewardship among young learners and community members.
The launch ceremony was marked by tree planting events at Kitere and Nyarach Comprehensive schools, where over 2,000 tree seedlings were donated and planted. At Kitere, the Vice Chancellor planted a ceremonial tree at the school assembly ground, declaring, “We are supposed to plant 15 billion trees in this country. Today we have come to plant trees so that those who come after us can enjoy.”
Prof. Nyamai engaged directly with students, demonstrating proper tree planting techniques and emphasizing the importance of long-term care. “Trees are the lungs of nature,” he told the pupils. “We are re-greening planet Earth, one school at a time.” Each student received a seedling to plant at home, fostering a sense of personal responsibility and environmental consciousness.
The Greening Initiative is structured to roll out in phases, eventually covering all learning institutions in Migori County.
