Maasai Mara University has launched an initiative meant to inculcate environmental consciousness in schoolchildren.
The Narok County Primary Schools Greening Programme was launched on Friday.
It was presided over by University Vice Chancellor Prof Peninah Aloo and National Environment Management Authority director general Mamo Mamo.
During the launch, 150 students from 30 schools were trained on tree nursery seedling production and management.
Aloo said the launch marked a significant milestone in environmental stewardship and sustainability as the institution embarks on a journey to instil environmental consciousness in the younger generation.
“The Bible says to train a child the way they should go, and when they grow up, they will not depart from it,” she said.
“We are training these children today to conserve the environment, and we know that when they grow up, they will not depart from it.”
Aloo said as the VC, she is dedicated to nurturing a generation of environmentally literate citizens.
She said the natural world faces unprecedented challenges from climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.
It is imperative to equip the youth with knowledge and skills to address them, she said.
Launching environmental clubs in primary schools, she said, signifies strategic investments in the future of the planet through education, awareness and practical engagement.
“We aim to inculcate a generation of environmental leaders who are empowered to make informed decisions and drive positive change in their communities,” she said.
Aloo said children are the future of the planet.
She said the university aims to establish 100 environmental clubs in two years.
“That means in the next 10 years, we are aiming at establishing 2,000 environmental clubs.”
Aloo said the launch is under the model tree nursery and fruit nursery launched by the First Lady on August 7 last year.
She said the university has reviewed its niche to be tourism, environmental resource management and conservation.
The VC said they will be involved in what is happening at the Maasai Mara reserve as well as in the protection and conservation of the Mara River and Mau Forest.
She said they have been given 250 acres of land to rehabilitate, but they want to do more.
Aloo said the university wants to ride on that culture and see how it can brand itself.
She said they are going to establish environmental clubs in 30 schools in Narok county.
Each school is going to be given tree seedlings to go and plant.
Aloo said they will follow up to ensure the trees are taken care of.
She said the schools will be provided with tree seedlings that will be planted around the compound, and they can even sell them to other people to generate income.
Aloo said one partner has agreed to provide water tanks.
“We are going to rank these schools, and the best school is going to be given an award. This is going to motivate them to do their best,” she said.
Mamo urged the learners to ensure that the environment is clean and secure.
He said the government has come up with various rules, regulations and strategies to ensure there is a clean and secure environment.
“It is our duty to enhance the quality of our environment,” Mamo said.
“Education is an essential tool for achieving sustainability. It allows us to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills and values that will protect the environment.”
Mamo said children should be taught that they need to protect the environment.
He said the formation of environmental clubs speaks to the consciousness of students towards the environment.
Mamo said Nema has been working with the Kenya Curriculum Development Institute to ensure that environmental issues are mainstreamed in the curriculum.