Vice-Chancellor's Vision for a Greener Narok Takes Root as Town Greening Program Breaks Ground
The Vice-Chancellor of Maasai Mara University, Professor Peninah Aloo-Obudho, has spearheaded an ambitious environmental initiative to transform Narok Town into a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable urban center through the Narok Town Greening Program (NGTP).
The program officially broke ground on 6th November 2026 with the planting of its first tree seedlings along the link road leading to Maasai Mara University, off the Narok–Bomet Highway. The exercise marked the beginning of a community-driven initiative that seeks to enhance urban greenery, provide shade and promote environmental conservation across Narok Town.
The initiative, conceived by Professor Aloo-Obudho, has received the support of Narok County Governor, H.E. Patrick Ole Ntutu, and brings together the University, local administration, business community, community leaders and residents in a shared commitment to environmental sustainability.
The inaugural tree-planting exercise brought together the Narok Town Greening Program team, members of the business community around the Total Petrol Station area, local administration officials and community elders, including Nyumba Kumi representatives.
Those present included Area Chief Daniela Ole Sankale, Assistant Chief Patrick Kosen, Village Elders Chairman Michael Koina, and village elders Joseph Kemosi, Sammy Saka, Samwel Maina, Bishop Kadosi, Marion Towett, Ismael Asori, Rapael and Sebastina Amenga. Speaking during the exercise, the Dean, School of Natural Resources, Environmental Studies and Agriculture, Dr. Samson Mabwoga, said the initiative responds to the growing need to integrate environmental sustainability into Narok’s expanding urban landscape.
“As you can see, Narok Town is expanding. As it grows, we need more shade, we need it cleaner, and we need it greener,” he observed, reaffirming the program’s slogan: “A Clean and Green Narok.” Dr. Mabwoga emphasised that the success of the initiative would depend on collective ownership and active community participation.
“A project forced on people will not last. We want everyone to own it, so that it can move forward,” he said. He called upon the business community, including the management of Total Petrol Station, to embrace the programme and become active partners in its implementation.
He further noted that the initiative would extend across Narok Town Municipality, with relevant partners and implementing agencies, including Narok Town Municipality, KeRRA, KURA and KeNHA, working together to identify suitable tree-planting sites. Maasai Mara University students also pledged their commitment to ensuring that the newly planted seedlings survive and flourish. Peter Barak, Organising Secretary of the Student Environment Club, highlighted the club’s guiding motto, “We Conserve and Sustain,” emphasising that environmental conservation goes beyond planting trees to ensuring their continued care. “For us, planting trees is not enough. We must also look after them,” he said, announcing that club members would dedicate every Thursday to watering and nurturing the seedlings. He also invited community members and village elders to join the initiative, noting that participation in the club is driven by passion rather than compulsion. Similarly, Cynthia Namnyak, a second-year student representative, underscored the importance of investing in environmental sustainability for future generations. “This is about the future of the young generation. If we start now, our children will walk the same path,” she remarked. A committee member, Ms. Ruth, who was born and raised in Narok, expressed her excitement at being part of an initiative that seeks to give back to the town and contribute to its transformation. “When we say we are planting trees to make Narok green, I am delighted to be part of it,” she said.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Mabwoga described the exercise as the beginning of a broader environmental transformation agenda and urged residents, businesses, institutions and other stakeholders to take ownership of the programme. “Today is just a start. I invite each of you to spread the message and help move Narok forward,” he said.
He expressed optimism that with deliberate planning, collaboration and sustainable development initiatives, Narok has the potential to grow into a vibrant city comparable to Nakuru, Kisumu and Eldoret. “In the next few years, the young people of today will be the leaders of this town, and I believe Narok can grow into a city like Nakuru, Kisumu or Eldoret. So, why not Narok?” he posed. The Narok Town Greening Programme underscores Maasai Mara University’s commitment to environmental stewardship, community engagement and sustainable urban development. Through the vision of the Vice-Chancellor and the collective efforts of stakeholders, the initiative seeks to establish a lasting green legacy for Narok and generations to come.
A Clean and Green Narok — Planting Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow!