The deal between Daystar University and the Israeli embassy faced public condemnation in Kenya, with many expressing solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.

A Kenyan university has decided to cancel its agreement with the Israeli government to create a so-called Zion Forest on its campus following widespread public criticism over the ongoing war in Gaza.

Daystar University, located in Nairobi, had earlier this week signed an agreement with the Israeli embassy to plant over 5,000 trees on its premises. However, the initiative sparked condemnation from many Kenyans, particularly those expressing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The region has witnessed the deaths of more than 45,000 Palestinians since the outbreak of the war in October 2023, leading to international outcry.

In a statement on Tuesday, Daystar University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Laban Ayiro, emphasized that the university was not supporting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. He expressed the institution's commitment to upholding the sanctity of life and advocating for peaceful coexistence among all people. “We acknowledge the pain we have inadvertently caused to members of the public, and sincerely apologise,” the statement read.

The decision to cancel the deal comes amid growing global pressure on universities and institutions to sever ties with Israel and companies that are seen as complicit in the conflict.

The cancellation also follows a social media petition, supported by former students of the university, which led to public calls for the university to reconsider its stance. The Israeli embassy had initially described the planned Zion Forest at Daystar University as a project initiated by Kenya’s First Lady, Rachel Ruto, intended to serve as a "monument of friendship" between Israel and Kenya.

In the wake of the backlash, Daystar University’s vice-chancellor removed posts from the X platform (formerly Twitter) that had announced the deal.