The grafted baobab seedlings,were initially donated by the German Government to the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology,Department of Horticulture to aid in Baobab research in Kenya (2016-2019).

The planting of the seedlings will go towards increasing the number of indigenous trees available in the botanical garden,while enhancing research on the baobab tree.

According to the Dean of Students, Prof.Fridah Wanzala,who donated the seedlings, the Baobab tree is a useful indigenous species with its fruit and leaves being edible,providing alternative nutrition to humans and animals alike in arid and semi-arid areas.

"The Baobab tree is endemic and is an important source of human nutrition in Africa. There is still need for extensive research on the species,especially in Kenya,” Prof. Fridah Wanzala said as she presided over the handing over ceremony.

Prof. Wanzala said, the donation will complement the efforts made by JKUAT to increase forest cover in the institution, while providing a viable research hub to researchers interested in indigenous trees like the Baobab.

The Dean of Students thanked the Director, SAJOREC, Prof. Robert Gituru for making available the necessary space for planting the seedlings urging the students to continue being proactive in terms of environmental conservation.

On his part,Prof. Gituru said the Baobab existence is still under threat as people clear them not knowing the benefits it brings to the environment.

He further noted that the tree planting exercise will contribute to the forest coverage that will subsequently help to mitigate climate change.

“At SAJOREC we boast of a botanical garden with a variety of indigenous trees.This donation will be an important step in continuing to increase plant cover in the University while expanding our portfolio in terms of available native trees," Prof. Gituru noted.

JAGE Chairman, Ambrose Michura, said although the Association aims to educate the public on the importance of utilizing renewable energy and environment conservation.

Climate change is impacting human lives and health in various ways and threatens the availability of essential ingredients of good health such as safe drinking water, clean air and has the potential to reverse the strides that have already been made in global health.

Policies and individual measures such as growing trees and efficient use of energy have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions thus alleviating air pollution.

From Left to right; Associate Professor Department of Horticulture, Prof.John B.Mukundi, Chair; Department of Horticulture, Dr:Lucy Murungi, Dean of Students Prof. Fredah Wanzala, hand over Baobab seedings to Director; SAJOREC, Prof. Robert Gituru and SAJIOREC coordinator, Mr:Kevin Yu Haifeng