NRF and MMUST Join Hands in Tree Planting Drive at Kakamega Forest
The National Research Fund (NRF), in partnership with Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) and the local community, proudly participated in a tree planting exercise on the 19th of June, 2025 at Kakamega Forest; one of Kenya’s last remaining tropical rainforests and a critical ecological site.
Held in alignment with the Presidential Directive to grow 15 billion trees by 2032, the initiative reflects NRF’s strategic commitment to research and innovation that addresses national priorities, including climate change mitigation, environmental conservation, and sustainable development.
Representing NRF at the event, Ms Eunice Saru emphasized the Fund’s ongoing collaboration with MMUST. “This is not our first time partnering in this vital work. Today, we proudly contribute 2,000 tree seedlings, reaffirming our shared responsibility to preserve Kenya’s natural heritage while advancing our collective climate goals.”
Beyond tree planting, the event celebrated the growing partnership between NRF and MMUST; one rooted in research excellence and community impact. The NRF representative commended Vice Chancellor Prof. Solomon Shibairo for his visionary leadership, which has yielded impactful outcomes such as the Tungiasis research led by Prof. Maurice Omolo and the Cassava Upscaling project spearheaded by Prof. Vitalis Ogemah. Both projects, supported by NRF, exemplify how locally driven research can address real-world challenges and uplift communities.
Also highlighted was MMUST’s recent Gold Accreditation for Good Financial Grant Practices (GFGP) — a milestone that reflects strong research governance and paves the way for increased funding and collaboration.
“As we plant trees today, we are also planting seeds of innovation and sustainability. We urge our universities to adopt the Theory of Change approach in research planning; ensuring that every research input is purposefully linked to clear, impactful outcomes,” the NRF representative noted.
This exercise reinforces NRF’s mandate to mobilize, manage, and disburse research funding that drives knowledge generation and addresses Kenya’s most pressing development challenges. Through such initiatives, NRF affirms its role as a catalyst for climate-smart research, inter-institutional collaboration, and environmental stewardship.
As the seedlings take root in the soil, so too does NRF’s enduring commitment to a research culture that protects biodiversity, empowers communities, and safeguards the future.
