The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental conservation and climate action through a major tree planting exercise held at its Kwale Campus on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
During the exercise, the participants from both organizations and locals planted 500 fruit trees.
The event graced by Vice-Chancellor, Prof Laila Abubakar, brought onboard the telecommunication giant-Safaricom represented by Climate Change and Environment Section head Mrs Valentine Cheruiyot.
Apart from the 500 seedlings, Safaricom has promised to donate 5,000 fruit trees to TUM as part of their ongoing environmental sustainability initiative.
In her remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof Laila Abubakar lauded Safaricom for donating the seedlings.
“Today we are truly honoured and blessed to host one of our key partners, Safaricom,” Prof Laila said.
She emphasized that the initiative goes beyond meeting numerical targets; instead, it seeks to address the pressing challenges of climate change and environmental degradation by promoting tree planting as a key solution to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing biodiversity.
“What makes this initiative even more special is that these are fruit trees, not just ornamental ones. They will not only improve our environment but also provide food and economic benefits to the community,” the VC concluded.
Safaricom's Climate and Environment manager Mrs Cheruiyot said the initiative aims not only to plant trees, but also to restore biodiversity — including reintroducing important species in the ecosystem, which play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.
"Through this program, we are working to bring life back to these areas and to protect the essential microorganisms that sustain our environment,” Mrs Cheruiyot said
The event was a collaborative effort that brought together the university community, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration Finance and Planning (AFP) Prof Joseph Rasowo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Research and Extension (ARE) Prof Peter Gichangi, and Registrar Administration and Planning Dr Shivani Patel.
Staff, students, and community members also participated, demonstrating TUM’s inclusive approach to sustainability.
Together, TUM and Safaricom are leading the way toward a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future, setting an inspiring example for institutions across the country.
