Manager, Environment -National Housing Corporation Mr. Mwongera Murungi presents trees to Dr. Daniel Aswani Director  at Daystar University Main Campus donated by National Housing Corporation in partnership with Kenya Forestry Service represented by Ms. Milka Mutua

By Victoria Mumbi

[Athi River, Thursday May 29, 2025] The National Housing Corporation (NHC) donated 5,000 assorted tree seedlings to Daystar University Main Campus Athi River, to mark its pre-world environment day activities. 

The seedlings were presented to the Director Main Campus, Dr. Daniel Aswani, by Environmental and Sustainability Manager, Mr. Mwongera Murungi.

The World Environment Day is celebrated on 5th June globally.  In Kenya, this year’s national celebrations were held at Tharaka University, while the Machakos County celebrations were held in Athi River, Mavoko Sub-county, where Daystar University was recognized for the second year running, for its tree planting efforts.  

The NHC team was accompanied by a team from Kenya Forest Services, Machakos County, led by the County Conservator, Madam Milka Mutua.

The visitors were received by the Director Main Campus, Dr. Robert Aswani, Projects Manager, Mrs. Coretta Ndunda, Corporate Affairs Manager, Mrs. Damaris Kimilu, University Services Manager Ms. Caroline Mwangi, Public Relations Officer, Ms. Jean Murungi and Campus Administrator, Mr. Boaz Bichage.

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Aswani noted that Athi River Campus was a semi-arid area, where nothing would grow. He, however, said that since 2019, he university has planted almost 50,000 trees that have given Campus a conducive environment for learning.

Dr. Aswani revealed that environmental sustainability has been at the heart of Daystar University, with the Vice Chancellor leading efforts to green the Athi River Campus.

 “The tree planting exercise aimed to promote environmental conservation, enhance campus greenery, and inspire a culture of sustainability within the university community,” he said, further promising that every tree received will be planted.

As he planted a tree at Daystar University, Mr. Murungi  noted that each seed planted symbolizes hope and collective responsibility to nurture the environment.

“Today we unite to plant 5,000 seedlings, contributing to Kenya’s ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032,” said Mr. Murungi, further stating that the exercise aims to restore our ecosystems, combat climate change, and enhance the country’s forest cover.

Mrs. Coretta Ndunda appreciated the National Housing Corporation and Kenya Forestry Services for donating and planting trees at Daystar University. She noted that so far, the Kenya Forestry Services, through the facilitation of Madam Milka Mutua, had donated over 10,000 seedlings to the University.

Mrs. Ndunda has been at the fore-front of establishing collaborations with various organizations for the greening of Daystar University.

On her part, the Machakos County Conservator, Mrs. Milka Mutua appreciated Daystar University, for being a serious collaborator in KFS’s efforts to increase the country’s forest cover. She also appreciated National Housing Corporation for its support in buying the 5,000 seedlings that were donated to Daystar University.  

The trees were planted next to David Musau Mumama Learning Complex (DMMLC). According to Mr. Boaz Bichage, the area shall be named NHC Corner. 

Both teams suggested possible future collaboration between Daystar University and National Housing Corporation, not just in tree planting, but also in housing.