Alupe University Leads Stakeholders in Planting 1000+ Trees on Mazingira Day During the Disaster Risk Reduction Symposium
The 11th Symposium for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) that was held at Alupe University in Busia County brought together government officials, researchers, students, and humanitarian partners under the rallying theme “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters.”
Photo: Hon Arthur Odera addressing the press during the Disaster Risk Reduction Celebrations that concurred with Mazingira Day
The event served as a timely reminder of the urgent need to prioritize investment in preparedness, community resilience, and sustainable disaster management systems rather than reactive response mechanisms.
Photo: Hon Raphael Wanjala, MP for Budalangi making hi remarks on disaster issues in the region
The symposium, held in Alupe University in Busia County, featured a rich blend of keynote addresses, research presentations, and panel discussions focusing on Kenya’s growing vulnerability to natural and human-induced hazards such as floods, droughts, and disease outbreaks.
NCBA Bank, Busia Branch donates 1000 tree seedlings to Alupe University as part of its CSR towards climate change
In his opening remarks, Prof. Toboso Mahero, Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Finance and Development, Alupe University, emphasized the need for stronger partnerships between academic institutions, local governments, and national disaster management agencies to build a culture of risk awareness.
“Disasters will continue to strain our communities if we do not invest in prevention and preparedness. Funding resilience means empowering people with the knowledge, infrastructure, and systems to anticipate and withstand shocks,” he noted.
Photo: Prof Manya Stephen of Alupe University plants a tree at designated ground at the university on Mazingira Day, 2025
Participants explored how inadequate funding for early warning systems, weak infrastructure, and limited public awareness continue to hinder effective disaster management across Kenya and the region. Experts called on policymakers to allocate more resources toward climate adaptation projects, community-based disaster education, and research-driven innovation.
Photo: Members of the public and Alupe University Staff members participating in the national tree planting session
A highlight of the symposium was a youth-led session that showcased innovative projects developed by Dhamira Moja to enhance local resilience and the Alupe University and other university students got a chance to ask questions and interact with the panelists from different counties. This underscored the critical role of young people and academia in shaping sustainable solutions to disaster risks.
Representatives from the County Government of Busia, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), development partners reaffirmed their commitment to integrate DRR strategies into local planning and budgeting frameworks.
“The cost of rebuilding after disasters far outweighs the cost of prevention. Investing in resilience is not just smart economics it is a moral obligation,” the deputy governor Arthur Odera observed.
As the symposium concluded, participants adopted a joint communiqué urging both national and county governments to increase funding for resilience programs, mainstream disaster risk reduction into education, and strengthen community engagement in preparedness initiatives.
The 11th Symposium for Disaster Risk Reduction stood out as a call to shift Kenya’s focus from crisis response to proactive risk management turning the message “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters” into a guiding principle for future policy and practice.
By Victoria Magar & Savai Sabwa,
Alupe University Media