In Kenya, university education has expanded rapidly since the introduction of the 8-4-4 system in 1985. The total university enrollment stood at 324,560 in 2013 according to the Government of Kenya statistics. Currently, shout 400,000 students are studying at Kenyan universities. University enrollment is expected to keep increasing due to a young growing population, free primary education and a higher transition rates. The combined undergraduate and postgraduate enrollment is estimated at 1 million by 2020.

There is hence need to mobilize the numbers, innovation and the energies that the youth have, especially those in institutions of higher learning in Kenya and Africa, to help surmount the sustainable development challenges facing the country and the continent.

The Kenya Green University Network is a timely initiative that engages students in institutions of higher learning towards environmental sustainability. The initiative is supported by UNEP, NEMA ( National Environmental Management Authority), CUE ( Commission of University Education) and GUPES (Global Universities Partnership on Environment and Sustainability)

KGUN aims at developing environmentally sound practices in higher education, fostering low carbon, climate resilience development strategies and sustainability across campuses.

KGUN will cover all aspects of higher education including curricular development, training and campus operations as well as promoting greater student engagement across all the institutions of higher learning.

KGUN is also in response to the Global Action Program on Education for Sustainable Development ( ESD) and the UN Sustainable Development. SDG 4.7