On 17th April 2026, Riara University reinforced its commitment to environmental sustainability through a collaborative tree planting exercise with Safaricom PLC, marking another milestone in the institution’s growing environmental stewardship agenda.
The initiative, held at the University’s Konza campus, brought together students, faculty and partners in a hands-on effort to restore green spaces and contribute to Kenya’s national reforestation goals. The exercise saw the planting of hundreds of tree seedlings, supporting ongoing efforts to green the campus and surrounding areas.
Beyond the act of planting trees, the event reflected a shared vision between academia and industry to address climate change through practical, community-driven solutions. Participants engaged directly in digging, planting and nurturing seedlings, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility while strengthening institutional partnerships.
The exercise was graced by key leaders from both institutions, underscoring the importance of leadership in advancing sustainability initiatives. Among those present were Prof. Robert Gateru, Vice Chancellor of Riara University and Prof. Wanja Tenambergen, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. They were joined by representatives from Safaricom PLC, whose participation highlighted the strength of academia–industry collaboration in driving meaningful environmental impact.
The collaboration aligns with Safaricom PLC’s broader sustainability agenda, which includes ambitious reforestation programmes aimed at restoring ecosystems and supporting biodiversity conservation across Kenya.
For Riara University, the exercise is part of a broader mission to integrate environmental consciousness into education and campus life. By embedding sustainability into its activities, the University continues to nurture environmentally aware graduates equipped to address global challenges.
The tree planting initiative also reflects Kenya’s wider commitment to increasing forest cover and combating climate change through collective action. Through partnerships with leading organisations such as Safaricom PLC, Riara University is playing an active role in shaping a greener, more sustainable future.
