Narok County Taps Maasai Mara University to Lead Urban Greening Drive

The Narok County Government has appointed Maasai Mara University to spearhead the greening of Narok Town under a multi-agency initiative aimed at transforming the municipality into a greener, cleaner and more environmentally sustainable urban centre.

The programme will involve extensive tree planting, rehabilitation of public spaces and adoption of sustainable urban planning practices to address the effects of rapid urbanisation and climate change in the town dubbed the ‘dusty city’.

The initiative was unveiled following a consultative meeting convened by Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu that brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from Maasai Mara University led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Peninah Aloo-Obudho, Narok County Commissioner Kipkech Lotiati, officials from Narok Town Municipality, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), and other government agencies.

Governor Ntutu said the project forms a key part of the county’s environmental restoration agenda and urged residents to support it. 

“We are deliberately investing in a greener Narok Town because sustainable urban development is no longer optional. This initiative will help us improve air quality, restore dignity to our public spaces and make Narok a model modern town,” said Governor Ntutu.

He added that rapid urbanisation had placed pressure on existing infrastructure and green spaces, making environmental restoration urgent. 

“We have to respond to the realities of urban growth. If we do not protect and expand our green spaces now, we risk losing the environmental balance that our town depends on,” he said.

Under the initiative, stakeholders will roll out tree planting programmes in public spaces, expand green corridors along major roads, and introduce landscaping and beautification projects across the Central Business District (CBD). 

Plans also include the installation of flower planters and ornamental trees along key roads, including the Narok–Bomet highway, to improve air quality, reduce urban heat and enhance the visual character of the town.

The county has further prioritized the rehabilitation of public recreational areas such as Ole Koonyo Gardens, where new trees, benches and landscaping works are already underway.

Maasai Mara University will lead implementation of the programme in collaboration with the County Government of Narok, Narok Municipality, the Office of the County Commissioner, KeNHA and other partners.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Peninah Aloo-Obudho said the university was ready to take up the responsibility and integrate environmental action with academic and community engagement.

“As a university rooted in this region, we are committed to working with the county and other stakeholders to ensure Narok becomes a model green town. Our students and staff will actively participate in tree planting, research and environmental education to support this initiative,” she said.

She added that the programme would also provide a practical platform for students to contribute to environmental conservation. 

“This is not just a county project; it is a learning and community transformation opportunity. We want our students to be part of real solutions to climate and environmental challenges facing our towns,” she said.

Speaking during the meeting, stakeholders emphasized that increasing tree cover within urban areas is a critical response to climate change, pollution and environmental degradation.

They also noted that expanding green spaces will help regulate temperatures, improve biodiversity, enhance air quality and create a healthier environment for residents and visitors.

The initiative comes at a time when the Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast increased rainfall in the coming months, which stakeholders said will provide favourable conditions for tree planting and improve the survival rate of seedlings.

Governor Ntutu reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to environmental conservation, noting that the programme aligns with both national and county efforts to increase forest cover and promote climate resilience.

He further urged residents, institutions and businesses to actively participate in the initiative, stressing that community ownership will be key to its long-term success.

Deputy Governor Tamalinye Koech and other county officials also attended the meeting, which concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to make Narok Town a model for urban greening and environmental stewardship in the region.

Once fully implemented, the Narok Town Greening Initiative is expected to significantly transform the town’s landscape, improve environmental quality and strengthen its resilience to climate change.