It started like a joke; people wondered if it was real. Chiefs were assembled in a beautiful gazebo to discuss how the semi-arid region and degraded lands of Kibwezi East Sub-County could be restored. At the center of this was Lukenya University, ready to educate and create awareness that the Sub-County can be transformed. The evidence that the restoration was possible was visible from the University environment, a green, cool environment in a dryland. This created a picture of hope in the region.An idea brought forth by the Founder of the University was beginning to grow. The Chiefs asked questions on how this would work. It became apparent that climate change was real, and everyone had to make a contribution to mitigate or adapt to it. At the end of the session, there was a rallying call for everyone to be involved, in any small way, to green the region. That was at the end of 2022, with large strides made in 2023, where the inaugural tree marathon was held. Tree associations were formed, trees were distributed to individual farmers, schools, churches, mosques, market centers, among other places.
Today, the reality is evident. The idea borne by the Founder is accruing immense benefits in the region. A micro-climate has been created in the areas reached in Kibwezi East Sub-County. They receive rain even when other regions are dry. Family livelihoods are being improved as the tree nursery associations aggregate tree seedlings and the University purchases them for the greening programme. The tree nursery owners are awarded cheques for their tree seedlings, as was last seen on 2nd May 2025. It was a joyous moment where tree nursery owners were motivated to continue their work with more rigor and enthusiasm.
