UoN and Safaricom partner In Environment Conservation Efforts
The University of Nairobi, in collaboration with leading telecommunications company Safaricom PLC, held an environmental conversation tree planting and growing exercise of fruit and Indigenous trees on the University’s Main Campus, reaffirming their joint commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action.
The event, which took place on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 , brought together university students, faculty members, Safaricom staff, and guests under the theme “rooting for the future.” Over 250 avocado fruit tree seedlings were planted across the Upper Kabete, Faculty of Agriculture.
Speaking during the Tree planting Ceremony, University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor Prof. Margret Hutchison praised the initiative as a critical step in the institution’s green agenda. As an institution of higher learning, The Vice Chancellor, recognized the bridge in building a relationship between the University and the private sector ; this can catalyze progress and change. The Vice Chancellor noted that such partnerships transform the society in shaping an environmentally responsible citizen.
‘This initiative not only restores our ecosystem but also educates and empowers our students to take climate change seriously.’
Safaricom Chief Technology Information Officer, James Mutai, who was also present in the planting, emphasized the company’s long-standing dedication to plant over 250,000 trees within two years covering 7,000 plus base station sustainably. Mr James Mutai acknowledged Safaricom as corner stone of the mission to environmental sustainability campaign not limiting themselves believing that by 2030 they will have planted over 5 million trees.
The event featured environmental talks, student-led eco-campaigns, and practical demonstrations on tree care and sustainable landscaping. It also aligns with the government’s national target to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 as part of efforts to combat deforestation and global warming.
The University of Nairobi and Safaricom plan to make the tree planting drive an annual event and are exploring the creation of a digital tree tracking system to monitor the growth and survival rates of the seedlings planted. With climate change increasingly affecting Kenya through erratic weather patterns and resource scarcity, initiatives like these demonstrate how public-private partnerships can drive meaningful action for a sustainable future.
