Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) recently took part in a significant event on May 11th and 12th, 2026. The African Forward Summit included a meeting organized by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry and the Agency of Francophone Universities (AUF). This gathering was a key moment for the Kenyan government and AUF, which represents over 1,000 universities.
Key figures from MMUST, including Vice Chancellor Prof. Solomon Shibairo and Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Christopher Ngacho, attended at the invitation of Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Mulongo Barasa. The focus of their discussions was to strengthen MMUST’s ties with AUF and explore collaborative efforts with the Ministry.
A major topic of conversation was MMUST’s involvement in the Congo Basin Blue Fund (CBBF). This fund is crucial for promoting sustainable development in Africa. It aims to help countries shift from relying on forest exploitation to adopting a sustainable “blue” economy. This initiative encompasses water resource management, ecosystem protection, and combating climate change.
Prof. Shibairo emphasized the importance of developing a proposal for CBBF to be presented to donors this month. He highlighted that the Congo Forest, the world’s second-largest tropical forest, faces threats from deforestation and agriculture. “MMUST is ready to address these issues and support climate action,” he noted.
Prof. Ngacho added, “As we are close to Kenya’s last tropical rainforest, we are committed to initiatives that foster a sustainable green economy. Our goal is to become a center of excellence for forest research in East Africa.”
Dr. Nicodemus Nyandiko, a researcher at MMUST and an expert in risk mitigation, discussed the CBBF’s ambitious goal: to raise over $10 billion for forest restoration and biodiversity conservation. “This is an opportunity for MMUST researchers to collaborate and create viable projects to tackle challenges in the Congo Basin,” he said.
The meeting with the Ministry and AUF opened doors for MMUST to engage in broader conversations about socio-economic growth in Africa. With AUF comprising 17 member states, it seeks to support research and capacity building for climate initiatives. MMUST is well-positioned to leverage these opportunities and lead efforts to combat climate change, both in Africa and globally.
New research shows that sustainable development can drive economic growth. According to a recent study by the World Bank, sustainable investments can result in job creation and poverty reduction. This aligns perfectly with MMUST’s goals as they work on initiatives like the CBBF.
In the age of social media, many are discussing sustainable practices and climate action. On platforms like Twitter, hashtags like #BlueEconomy and #SustainableDevelopment are trending, indicating a growing public interest in these topics. As universities like MMUST take steps towards a sustainable future, they’re not just contributing to local ecosystems but also responding to a global demand for action.
This meeting marks an exciting step forward for MMUST, ensuring that it plays a vital role in the ongoing climate dialogue.
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