It was in this spirit of environmental stewardship that stakeholders gathered in Uasin Gishu County to commemorate World Environment Day through a tree-planting exercise at Huruma Sub-County Hospital.

The event, led by the Acting Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Services, Dr. Billy Lubanga, also marked the commemoration of the recent awarding of a charter to KEMRI University, a milestone that underscores the institution’s growing contribution to research, education, and community development.

Speaking during the exercise, Dr. Lubanga emphasized the importance of environmental conservation in promoting public health, noting that tree planting remains one of the most effective ways of addressing climate change and creating healthier communities.

The initiative brought together officials from the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Huruma Sub-County Hospital, and other stakeholders, who planted ten trees within the hospital compound as a symbol of sustainability and institutional growth.

Among those who participated in the tree-planting exercise were Dr. Stephen Wandiga (KEMRI), Dr. Too Edwin (KEMRI), Dr. Billy Lubanga, Chief Officer for Preventive and Promotive Services, R.J. Cheserek, Medical Superintendent of Huruma Sub-County Hospital, Allan Maiyo, Jemutai Rono from the KEMRI Administration Department, Ng’eno Kipkemboi, Mercy Kemboi from the KEMRI Laboratory Department, Zainab, Public Health Officer at Huruma Sub-County Hospital, Margaret Cheboi from the Clinical Department, Eunice Kimuti from the Eye Unit, Abdi Gollo, and Vincent Kirui from the Transport Department.

The tree-planting activity highlighted the shared commitment between healthcare institutions and research organizations to environmental conservation, public health promotion, and sustainable development.

Participants noted that the exercise not only celebrated World Environment Day but also reflected KEMRI University’s vision of fostering positive change within communities through research, education, and environmental responsibility.

As Uasin Gishu County joined the rest of the world in observing World Environment Day, the newly planted trees stood as a lasting reminder of the collective responsibility to protect the environment and create a healthier, greener future for generations to come.