Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary-General Collins Oyuu has urged learners to take an active role in environmental conservation and climate change mitigation through creative initiatives in schools.
Mr Oyuu spoke when he joined the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Children Services, Ms Carren Age’ngo, to launch the 2026/2027 First Lady’s Mazingira Award (FLAMA) at the Miritini Mangrove Planting Site in Bonje, Mombasa County.
The award scheme, championed by First Lady Rachel Chebet Ruto, seeks to promote environmental awareness and climate action among learners by encouraging them to develop innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
Mr Oyuu commended the First Lady for initiating the programme, describing it as an important platform for nurturing environmental responsibility among young people.
He noted that since its launch in 2023, FLAMA had continued to expand its reach, providing learners with opportunities to demonstrate their understanding of environmental conservation and climate change through creative expression.
Learners encouraged to use creativity in climate action
The annual national competition is learner-centred and incorporates various categories, including art, essay writing in English and Kiswahili, and spoken-word presentations.
Through these activities, learners are encouraged to communicate environmental messages, explore climate-related challenges and propose practical solutions that can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Mr Oyuu said such initiatives were important in equipping learners with the knowledge, creativity and awareness needed to become responsible citizens capable of responding to the effects of climate change.
The programme also provides an opportunity for schools to integrate environmental conservation into learning activities, enabling learners to appreciate the importance of protecting natural resources and adopting sustainable practices.
Mangrove conservation takes centre stage
The launch at the Miritini mangrove planting site underscored the importance of protecting coastal ecosystems, with mangroves playing a key role in supporting marine biodiversity, protecting shorelines and storing carbon.
The 2026/2027 edition is expected to continue mobilising learners and schools to participate in environmental conservation and climate action through education, innovation and community engagement.
The initiative aligns environmental awareness with education, positioning learners as key participants in efforts to address climate change and safeguard the environment for future generations.
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