They say, ‘plant a tree today for a greener tomorrow’. In recent years, the government has embarked on this resolute journey . As part of this commitment, May 10th 2024 was designated as Kenya’s National Tree Planting Day—a poignant tribute to those profoundly impacted by the floods. 

Equally, Strathmore University has spearheaded various initiatives in line with this  year’s theme, ‘Caring for People and the Planet,’ underscoring its fervent commitment to the environment. In response to the government’s clarion call, the University embarked on a tree planting exercise through the Panda Miti Initiative whereby students and staff showed up at South Eastern Kenya University(SEKU) in Kitui County to plant trees.

The burgeoning partnership between SEKU and Strathmore University blossomed from SEKU’s avid pursuit of sustainable knowledge from Strathmore. SEKU aims to  leverage Strathmore University’s extensive experience and proven track record in sustainability initiatives by studying  Strathmore’s successful strategies and implementing similar practices  within its campus community.

However, amidst the commendable strides made by Strathmore University, one might question the enigmatic correlation between forestry and climate. Curious? Here’s the answer.

The relationship between forestry and climate is symbiotic. Forests play a crucial role in climate mitigation, as they act as invaluable carbon sinks, sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in biomass and soil. This process is vital in mitigating the effects of climate change as it reduces the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Therefore, forest preservation is pivotal in our quest to tackle climate change. 

In line with this belief, organizations have spearheaded initiatives such as Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+). REDD+ incentivizes forest conservation by generating and selling carbon credits. These credits represent a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions achieved by preventing deforestation and forest degradation. Essentially, through forest preservation mechanisms like REDD+, we are able to both preserve  forests and also provide economic benefits.

Brian Nyangena- CEO $ Co-founder, Verst Carbon, a carbon market technology provider, states: “At Verst Carbon, we leverage this relationship between carbon credits and forest preservation to drive environmental impact through our support for nature-based projects. Currently, we are involved in a project focused on mangrove conservation and restoration along the coast. Mangroves play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and coastal ecosystem health. Through collaboration, the project generates carbon credits, providing a sustainable source of revenue to support ongoing conservation efforts.”   To further address climate change, multinationals have developed international frameworks such as the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and the Paris Agreement’s Article 6, established by the UN. These frameworks help foster a more cost-effective approach in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By providing mechanisms for carbon trading and emission reduction projects, they enable countries and companies to achieve their climate goals more efficiently. Additionally, these  frameworks also promote sustainable development, drive innovation in green technologies, and create economic opportunities, allowing us to benefit from the entire process.

Aligned with these global efforts, Strathmore University’s esteemed alumni have played pivotal roles in raising awareness about climate change, making impactful contributions that resonate worldwide. Among the luminaries shaping this transformative journey is Reuben Muhindi, the CEO and Founder of Kenya Climate Directory.  Through the Kenya Climate Directory, Reauben aimed to  provide more information on climate, a noble endeavor aimed at alleviating the burden of climate research and playing a key role in this transformative journey.

“The KenyaClimateDirectory.org. is the first centralized climate information repository in Kenya. It offers over 1,000 downloadable documents covering a wide array of climate change-related themes. Since its unveiling at the African Climate Summit in 2023, the Kenya Climate Directory has emerged as a thriving platform, captivating over 2,000 climate enthusiasts —an inspiring testament to its impact.” 

Reuben, who also serves as  the CEO of Kenya Climate Directorate, is a passionate advocate for Economics, Politics and Finance. He studied Financial Economics at Strathmore University. 

Through our initiatives and those founded by our alumni, Strathmore University remains steadfast in its commitment to harness the power of carbon credits,  promote forest preservation and drive positive environmental outcomes. Together, let us continue to nurture our planet and safeguard its natural treasures for generations to come.

Article written by: Gertrude Wachira