NAIROBI, Kenya – First Lady Rachel Ruto today hosted the inaugural Mazingira Awards (FLAMA) at State House, Nairobi, celebrating the efforts of primary school children in advancing climate action.
The ceremony, aimed at recognizing young environmental champions, is part of a larger national push toward climate resilience and sustainability.
Joined by Environment and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, other top ministry officials, and environmental activists, the First Lady praised the students for their dedication to environmental conservation.
The Mazingira Awards follow the recent integration of environmental education into Kenya’s school curriculum, a move that aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 on climate action and the country’s ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
The awards, an initiative of the Mama Doing Good organization, have already reached over 89,000 learners across both private and public schools.
The program aims to equip 18 million students with practical skills in climate action over the coming years.
Mama Doing Good’s Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Koskei, highlighted the critical role Kenya’s predominantly youthful population, with a median age of 19, plays in securing the country’s environmental future.
“Kenya’s youth are key to the sustainability of our climate change goals. We are excited to continue collaborating with various partners, including the media, to amplify the voices of young environmentalists. We are even considering a media fellowship to support environmental reporters,” Koskei stated during the awards launch last week.
Today’s awards ceremony underscored the importance of empowering children to take active roles in environmental stewardship.
Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate, Engineer Festus Ng’eno, noted that the initiative encourages students to express their ideas through creative writing and the arts, sparking meaningful conversations about conservation and climate resilience.
“Today, we celebrate the focus and achievements of our young learners in driving environmental change,” Ng’eno remarked.
He also expressed his appreciation to President William Ruto for renaming October 10th as Environment Day, a further testament to Kenya’s commitment to a sustainable future.
The ceremony, aimed at recognizing young environmental champions, is part of a larger national push toward climate resilience and sustainability.
Joined by Environment and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, other top ministry officials, and environmental activists, the First Lady praised the students for their dedication to environmental conservation.
The Mazingira Awards follow the recent integration of environmental education into Kenya’s school curriculum, a move that aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 on climate action and the country’s ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
The awards, an initiative of the Mama Doing Good organization, have already reached over 89,000 learners across both private and public schools.
The program aims to equip 18 million students with practical skills in climate action over the coming years.
Mama Doing Good’s Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Koskei, highlighted the critical role Kenya’s predominantly youthful population, with a median age of 19, plays in securing the country’s environmental future.
“Kenya’s youth are key to the sustainability of our climate change goals. We are excited to continue collaborating with various partners, including the media, to amplify the voices of young environmentalists. We are even considering a media fellowship to support environmental reporters,” Koskei stated during the awards launch last week.
Today’s awards ceremony underscored the importance of empowering children to take active roles in environmental stewardship.
Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate, Engineer Festus Ng’eno, noted that the initiative encourages students to express their ideas through creative writing and the arts, sparking meaningful conversations about conservation and climate resilience.
“Today, we celebrate the focus and achievements of our young learners in driving environmental change,” Ng’eno remarked.
He also expressed his appreciation to President William Ruto for renaming October 10th as Environment Day, a further testament to Kenya’s commitment to a sustainable future.
