Nairobi: Mount Kenya University (MKU) has established a living herbarium to strengthen training and research in medicinal plants, placing practical learning and conservation at the center of its academic programmes.
According to Kenya News Agency, the initiative, led by the School of Pharmacy in partnership with its alumni network (MKU-SPAN) and the Pharmacy Students Association (MKUPSA), was launched during a Tree Planting initiative majorly of medicinal trees. The herbarium, a curated collection of living medicinal plants, will serve as a permanent teaching and research facility, enabling students to study plant-based compounds, preservation methods, and drug development processes in real time.
The Institution’s Principal Corporate Services and Director of Linkages, Prof. Peter Wanderi, stated that the facility would directly support training in pharmacognosy and natural product research while conserving plant species of medicinal value. Speaking at the event, Prof. Wanderi emphasized that the project is designed to shift learning from theory to application, equipping students with practical skills while contributing to biodiversity conservation. He urged stakeholders to align sustainability efforts with Kenya’s Vision 2030 agenda, noting that institutional initiatives play a key role in driving national development goals.
Prof. Wanderi further noted, “The herbarium will continue to expand as a long-term resource for teaching, research, and conservation. We expect to boost training in research on herbal products and drug development processes.”
The Dean of the School of Pharmacy, Dr. Michael Mung’oma, highlighted that the herbarium will enhance understanding of the link between plant science and healthcare while safeguarding critical plant species. He added that the project supports global commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly on climate action and the protection of terrestrial ecosystems.
The initiative also contributes to Kenya’s national target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032 to restore degraded landscapes and expand forest cover. Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administration, Planning, and Institutional Advancement, Prof. Peter Kirira, emphasized the need to focus on ensuring the survival of planted trees, calling for sustained stewardship. Partners, including AAR Healthcare, Analabs, and Najimudu Empowerment Initiative, backed the project, lauding its integration of research, training, and environmental sustainability.
