<p>Kigumo Technical and Vocational College, in partnership with the <strong>Kirinyaga County Government</strong> and the <strong>Kenya Forest Service</strong>, successfully planted <strong>2,000 tree seedlings</strong> across Kigumo Ward on Saturday, June 7, 2026, as part of the national tree-planting campaign aimed at achieving 15 billion trees by 2032.</p>

<h3>A College-Wide Effort</h3>

<p>The event brought together over <strong>500 participants</strong>, including current students, teaching and non-teaching staff, college management, alumni, and members of the surrounding community. The tree-planting exercise covered three designated sites: <strong>Kigumo Primary School grounds</strong>, <strong>Kigumo Hill</strong>, and the <strong>college campus itself</strong>.</p>

<p>The Chief Principal, <strong>Dr. Jane Muthoni Kariuki</strong>, led the planting of the first tree — a commemorative <em>Moringa oleifera</em> — at the college's main entrance, symbolizing the institution's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability.</p>

<h3>Trees Planted</h3>

<p>The 2,000 seedlings included a diverse mix of indigenous and fruit trees carefully selected for the local climate and soil conditions:</p>

<ul>
  <li><strong>500 Grevillea robusta (Mukima)</strong> — Fast-growing timber and shade trees planted along the college boundary and Kigumo Hill.</li>
  <li><strong>400 Moringa oleifera (Moringa)</strong> — Highly nutritious, drought-resistant trees planted near the college farm and distributed to community members for home planting.</li>
  <li><strong>350 Azadirachta indica (Neem/Mwarubaini)</strong> — Medicinal trees with natural pesticidal properties, planted around the college gardens and demonstration farm.</li>
  <li><strong>300 Mangifera indica (Mango)</strong> — Grafted mango seedlings (Apple and Ngowe varieties) planted at the college orchard and Kigumo Primary School.</li>
  <li><strong>250 Persea americana (Avocado)</strong> — Hass variety avocado seedlings for the college farm and community households.</li>
  <li><strong>200 Markhamia lutea (Muho)</strong> — Indigenous timber and ornamental trees planted along access roads and pathways.</li>
</ul>

<h3>Government and Community Support</h3>

<p>Speaking at the event, the <strong>Kirinyaga County Executive Committee Member for Environment</strong>, Hon. Jane Wanjiru Muriuki, praised the college for its proactive role in environmental conservation:</p>

<p><em>"Kigumo TVC is setting an example for all learning institutions in this county. Tree planting is not a one-day activity — it is a lifelong commitment to protecting our environment for future generations. The County Government will continue to support such initiatives through provision of seedlings, technical expertise, and monitoring."</em></p>

<p>The <strong>Kenya Forest Service</strong> (KFS) Zonal Manager for Kirinyaga, Mr. David Kipkorir, provided technical guidance on proper planting techniques, spacing, and post-planting care. KFS also donated 500 of the seedlings planted during the exercise.</p>

<h3>Adopt-a-Tree Programme</h3>

<p>In a groundbreaking move, the college launched the <strong>KTVC Adopt-a-Tree Programme</strong> during the event. Under this initiative:</p>

<ul>
  <li>Each academic department has adopted a <strong>minimum of 100 trees</strong> and is responsible for watering, weeding, and monitoring their growth.</li>
  <li>Student clubs and societies have each adopted <strong>50 trees</strong> within the campus.</li>
  <li>Individual students can voluntarily adopt a tree, name it, and receive a <strong>digital certificate</strong> of adoption accessible through their student portal.</li>
  <li>A <strong>Tree Growth Leaderboard</strong> will be displayed on the college website, showing which department has the highest tree survival rate each year.</li>
</ul>

<h3>Environmental Education Component</h3>

<p>The tree-planting exercise was preceded by a <strong>one-hour environmental awareness workshop</strong> conducted by the Applied Sciences Department. Topics covered included:</p>

<ul>
  <li>The role of trees in mitigating climate change and carbon sequestration.</li>
  <li>Sustainable land management practices for smallholder farmers in Kirinyaga County.</li>
  <li>The economic benefits of agroforestry — integrating trees with crops and livestock.</li>
  <li>Kenya's progress toward the 15 billion tree target and the role of youth in achieving it.</li>
</ul>

<h3>Quotes from Participants</h3>

<p><strong>Dr. Jane Muthoni Kariuki, Chief Principal:</strong><br>
<em>"At Kigumo TVC, we believe that education goes beyond the classroom. Teaching our students to care for the environment is part of producing well-rounded, responsible citizens. Every tree planted today is a legacy for the generations that will pass through this college."</em></p>

<p><strong>Mr. James Njenga Mwangi, HOD ICT and Event Coordinator:</strong><br>
<em>"We used our ICT skills to map all 2,000 trees using GPS coordinates and QR codes. Each tree's growth can now be tracked digitally. This is technology serving the environment."</em></p>

<p><strong>Faith Nduku Mutiso, Student Representative (DICT/2501/1715):</strong><br>
<em>"I have adopted 5 trees today — three mangoes and two avocados. I plan to visit them every week and watch them grow. By the time I graduate, they will be producing fruit for future students. That makes me proud."</em></p>

<h3>Future Plans</h3>

<p>The college management has committed to making tree planting a <strong>termly activity</strong>, with the next exercise scheduled for <strong>October 2026</strong> during the short rains. The target for the next planting season is <strong>5,000 trees</strong>, with an expanded area covering Muthithi and Kutus locations.</p>

<p>The college also announced plans to establish a <strong>Tree Nursery</strong> on campus, to be managed by the Applied Sciences and Agriculture departments. The nursery will produce at least 20,000 seedlings annually for college use and distribution to the community at subsidized rates.</p>

<h3>How to Get Involved</h3>

<p>Students and community members who wish to participate in future tree-planting activities or adopt a tree can:</p>

<ul>
  <li>Visit the <strong>Applied Sciences Department Office</strong> (Room 8, Science Block).</li>
  <li>Register through the <strong>Student Portal</strong> under the "Environmental Initiatives" tab.</li>
  <li>Email <strong>environment@kigumotvc.ac.ke</strong> for community participation inquiries.</li>
</ul>

<p style="text-align:center; font-weight:700; color:#1a7a1a; font-size:1.2rem; margin-top:2rem;">🌳 One Student, One Tree, One Future — Together We Grow! 🌳</p>