KMTC Champions Environmental Sustainability with Tree-Planting Initiative

In a bold move towards environmental sustainability, the Principal Secretary at the State
Department for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muriuki today led a tree
growing exercise at KMTC Karen Campus. She was flanked by the KMTC Board of
Directors Chairperson Mr. Joseah K. Cheruiyot alongside the Chief Executive Officer Dr.
Kelly Oluoch.
This significant initiative aligned with the government’s agenda on environmental
sustainability, garnered support from various stakeholders and esteemed partners.
The PS said that the Ministry of Health under the leadership of Cabinet Secretary
Madam Nakhumicha S. Wafula, is fully committed to tree growing and environmental
conservation. She recognized the inherent interconnection between nature and human
health.
“The exercise we are undertaking today of tree growing will contribute to creating
healthier and more sustainable communities for the present and future generations” the
Ps said.
Expressing gratitude towards the KMTC Board and Management for their dual focus on
addressing healthcare needs and environmental stewardship, the PS also lauded the
dedication of healthcare professionals and KMTC trainees for their unwavering
commitment to the health and well-being of Kenyans.
In light of the ongoing heavy rains and resultant raging flooding in various parts of the
country, Ps Muriuki urged all KMTC Campuses to adhere to government guidelines and
extend assistance to those affected.
On the other hand, the Chairperson underscored KMTC’s unwavering dedication to
environmental conservation.
Drawing attention to the President’s initiative of growing 15 billion trees by 2032, Mr.
Cheruiyot emphasized that the tree-growing exercise is aligned seamlessly with this
agenda, which is a demonstration of the College’s resolve to combat deforestation,
global warming, and climate change.
“The recently launched KMTC Strategic Plan covering the period 2023-2028, has given
weighty focus to environmental conservation and sustainability. Further, through our
Performance Contract for this year, we committed and have prioritized environmental
sustainability which include the growing of 30 trees by each of our staff” he said. Adding
“This commitment has also been extended to our over 62,000 students spread across
our 84 Campuses countrywide”.
Inspired by the words of the late Professor Wangari Maathai, Mr. Cheruiyot emphasized
the symbolic significance of tree-planting, likening each seedling to a seed of hope and
peace for a brighter future.
Dr. Oluoch confirmed the participation of KMTC campuses nationwide in similar tree-
growing endeavors, echoing the government’s commitment to environmental
sustainability.
“In our pursuit of becoming a globally competitive institution in training human resources
for health, it is imperative that we embrace environmental sustainability,” Dr. Oluoch
remarked. “By planting trees, we not only contribute to a healthier environment but also
lay the foundation for a healthier nation.”

He emphasized the link between nutrition, sustainable environment, and health,
stressing the urgent need for the country to embrace environmental sustainability.
Former CAS and UNEP Young Environmental Envoy Hon. David Osiany echoed the
sentiments of renowned environmentalists, emphasizing the profound impact of tree
planting. “As Bobby Anderson said, the greatest thing is to plant a tree under whose
shade you don’t expect to sit,” Osiany remarked. “Drawing from the wisdom of Wangari
Maathai, until you dig a hole, plant a tree, and make it survive, you have done nothing, I
encourage all to grow trees and nurture them to maturity, as nothing could be more
noble than to create life through tree planting.”
The event saw the convergence of various partner institutions including, IGAD, the
County Commissioner, Dimisse Sisters Kenya, National Museums of Kenya, Kenya
Institute of Primate Research and Karen Langata District Association. Others were
Karen Private neighbors, HERMOSA, Opportunity Factory, Nairobi County Greening
Team, KCB Bank, KMTC Karen staff and students, as well as Centre for Mathematics,
Science and Technology Education in Africa. Together, these diverse partners exemplify
the collaborative spirit needed to address environmental challenges and promote
sustainability for the well-being of present and future generations.

Ends….