NAIROBI, Kenya- The future of our environment is in the hands of today’s young generation, and Kenya is making strides to involve children in the fight against climate change.
Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Dr. Festus Ng’eno, emphasized this point during a media breakfast on Thursday, where he unveiled the roadmap for the inaugural First Lady Mazingira Awards (FLAMA) Ceremony, set to take place on October 10 at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre.
The First Lady Mazingira Awards, introduced during the Africa Climate Summit 2023, provide a platform for young learners across Kenya to express their understanding of climate issues through art, essays, and spoken word. Dr. Ng’eno highlighted the significance of these awards in nurturing the next generation of environmental champions.
“FLAMA allows learners to engage in creative expression while addressing the pressing environmental challenges we face today,” Ng’eno said.
The awards, he added, aim to empower young people to become vocal advocates for conservation and climate resilience within their communities.
By tapping into their creativity, the initiative hopes to inspire the youth to lead important conversations on climate action and sustainability.
With categories for English and Kiswahili essays, as well as drawing, painting, and spoken word, the competition encourages participation from all corners of the country, ensuring inclusivity.
Learners from special needs and marginalized schools are also represented, as inclusivity lies at the heart of the initiative.
Chief Executive Officer of MaMa Doing Good, Elizabeth Koskei, underscored the importance of children’s involvement in climate action.
“With 18 million learners in Kenya, children are central to our national agenda. Climate change isn’t an abstract issue for them—it’s an everyday reality,” she said.
Koskei emphasized that the awards ensure that all learners, regardless of background or ability, are actively engaged in the national climate conversation.
This inclusivity is particularly important in regions like Kenya’s arid and semi-arid areas, where children are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The initiative not only raises awareness but also empowers young voices to contribute solutions to the environmental challenges their communities face.
As climate change continues to pose a significant threat globally, the importance of early engagement in environmental conservation cannot be overstated.
Through initiatives like FLAMA, Kenya is planting the seeds for long-term, sustainable change by encouraging children to be at the forefront of climate advocacy.
Dr. Ng’eno summed it up: “Through FLAMA, we are witnessing the seeds of change being planted, and with these efforts, we will secure a sustainable future for our nation.”
The awards ceremony, presided over by First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto, will not only celebrate the winners but also highlight the importance of children’s participation in building a greener, more resilient Kenya.
