The world is facing a triple planetary crisis—climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. Forests and rangelands are crucial for environmental stability, economic development, and livelihoods. With over 90% of Kenya’s landscapes degraded, the country has aligned with the global call to restore at least 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030. In response, the President launched the National Tree Growing and Restoration Campaign on 21st December 2022, targeting 15 billion trees to re-store 10.6 million hectares by 2032 and increase forest and tree cover from 12% to 30%.
In line with this, Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH) has continued to drive tree growing initiatives by partnering with like-minded organizations and communities. As part of its FY 2024-2025 campaign, the hospital is taking action to grow not just trees—but a legacy of climate responsibility and health.
On October 19, 2024, the hospital grounds came alive with activity as 150 fruit trees were planted in collaboration with Kanisa SACCO, Wangari Maathai Institute, and Hearts of Green. The event was proudly led by Dr. Onyimbo Kerama, Deputy Director, Clinical Services, who emphasized the importance of integrating nature with healthcare. “Healthy people need a healthy planet,” he remarked during the planting session.
Later in the year, on December 12,2024, the initiative blossomed further. This time, KUTRRH partnered with Kahawa Sukari Presbyterian Church, resulting in the planting of 200 assorted fruit trees within the hospital compound.
Dr. Gituma Muriithi, Director of Finance, P l a n n i n g , and Development led the team in planting, reminding all present that sust a i n a b i l i ty must be embedded in every part of our systems—including healthcare infrastructure.
The most recent milestone in this green journey came on April 17, 2025, when Equity Group Foundation generously donated 1,000 mango tree seedlings to KUTRRH. Staff from across departments came together, sleeves rolled up, to
get their hands dirty—literally—in planting the seedlings across hospital grounds. The sense of community and
shared purpose was palpable.
These events are more than symbolic. They represent KUTRRH’s larger vision of integrating environmental steward-ship into healthcare delivery.
While local tree planting events at the hospital compound have made headlines, Hospital’s biggest green achievement lies far beyond its gates.
In a powerful partnership with Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and Community Forest Associations (CFAs) in Kipkabus, Elgeyo Marakwet, the hospital has planted a remarkable 52,000 trees during the 2024–2025 financial year alone. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to restoring degraded landscapes and building climate resilience across the country. And that’s not all.
Adding the trees planted on its grounds and through other partnerships, the Hospital’s cumulative total for FY 2024/2025 stands at an impressive 52,645 trees. When combined with last year’s outstanding performance of 62,000 trees, the hospital is well on its way to becoming a national example in environmental leadership within the healthcare sector.
These numbers represent more than just seedlings in the ground they tell a story of intentional action, cross-sector collaboration, and long-term vision. Every tree planted is a breath of fresh air, a step toward climate justice, and a symbol of the hospital’s deep-rooted belief that healthcare must care for both people and the planet.
Step by Step Tree Planting Guide
Since how you plant a tree determines how well it grows, here is a simple guide to correct planting process:
- Carefully remove the cover holding the young tree without disturbing the soil around the roots.
- Placing the young tree upright in the center of the hole, ensuring the root top aligns with the ground level.
- Fill the hole with the original soil, pressing gently to eliminate air pockets.
- Water thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots.