- Pupils in Kwale County have harnessed school debates to champion the conservation of Kaya forests and promote environmental responsibility.
- Leaders and organisers have emphasised the importance of combining indigenous wisdom with scientific knowledge, saying debates have nurtured communication, research and leadership skills among learners.
- The initiative has been expanded through partnerships and has inspired a new generation committed to safeguarding Kwale’s cultural and ecological heritage.
School debates have emerged as a powerful tool for promoting environmental conservation among learners in Kwale County, with pupils now using the platform to champion the protection of the region’s sacred Kaya forests.
Organizers of the initiative say the debates are designed to nurture a generation that values both indigenous knowledge and modern scientific approaches to safeguarding nature. The programme seeks to raise awareness of the ecological and cultural importance of Kaya forests, which continue to face threats from human activity and climate change.
Beyond teaching biodiversity conservation, the debates also aim to dispel misconceptions about Kaya elders by highlighting their traditional role in protecting forests and natural resources. Pupils are encouraged to interact directly with elders, learning about indigenous practices that have preserved ecosystems for decades.
Speaking during the final “Sikiliza Sauti Yetu, Dunia Inaita” debate under the Imara Project at Kinarini Primary School, Matuga MP Kassim Tandaza said engaging children in conservation discussions instils environmental responsibility early in life. He warned that degradation of forests and water catchment areas has already contributed to the drying up of key water sources such as Marere Springs.
“Our natural resources are under increasing pressure. Protecting forests today means safeguarding water, wildlife and the future livelihoods of our communities,” Tandaza said. He urged learners to embrace the wisdom of older generations while combining it with scientific knowledge to strengthen conservation efforts.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga described the debate programme as a vital platform for nurturing environmentally conscious citizens while sharpening communication and leadership skills. She said conservation discussions help learners appreciate the importance of preserving ecosystems and cultural heritage while also improving research, analytical thinking and public speaking abilities.
Chidzuga called for expansion of such programmes to more schools across Kwale, stressing the need for partnerships that integrate education with environmental awareness. “We need more collaborations to ensure every learner has an opportunity to participate in initiatives that protect our environment while building life skills,” she said.
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Tulinde Future Yetu Executive Director Salim Chidzuga, the debate organiser, said targeting primary school learners is deliberate, as shaping positive attitudes at an early age helps prevent destructive habits later in life. He noted that preparing for debates encourages pupils to conduct independent research, deepening their understanding of climate change, environmental management and sustainable conservation.
Salim expressed optimism that exposing children to both traditional wisdom and contemporary practices will inspire a new generation committed to safeguarding Kwale’s unique natural and cultural heritage.
By Field Reporter
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