Students from Rongo University and St. Dominic Rabango Mixed Secondary School planted over 150 trees at the Rangwe Sub-County headquarters and the school compound on Friday as Kenya marked Mazingira Day.
The joint initiative led by Rongo University Writers Club Patron Dr. Marren Akong’o, saw students clean and cleared overgrown vegetation at the Deputy County Commissioner’s office before planting indigenous and fruit trees as part of the country’s ambitious target to plant 15 billion trees by 2032.
The exercise brought together university students, secondary school learners, and government officials in what organizers described as a practical approach to environmental education that goes beyond classroom teaching.
Deputy County Commissioner Robert Nzioki welcomed the initiative, stating that the national government has implemented elaborate measures to address climate change in the county through community participation and sustainable environmental practices.
“We are delighted to have the teams from St. Dominic Rabango and Rongo University media team to be with us here today at Rangwe Sub-County headquarters to mark Mazingira Day, which have been very successful,” Nzioki said.
He said the national administration, working through chiefs in all locations and sub-locations, has been addressing environmental issues including tree planting and environmental management at the grassroots level.
He stated that, “All the schools within the sub-county have been able to establish tree nurseries so that we can manage the issue of deforestation by planting trees during the rain periods which we have.”
The initiative highlights an innovative approach to environmental conservation that targets learning institutions as key drivers of sustainability. Organizers argue that students are natural agents of change through advocacy, community action and innovation.
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Dr. Akong’o and St. Dominic Rabango Principal Olang’o said the exercise was designed to mold holistic students who understand their roles in community service and environmental stewardship.
“We cleaned, slashed the Rangwe Sub-County DCC’s office and planted trees there and in the school. This is to mentor students both in high school and campus to take part in environmental conservation,” said Dr. Marren during the exercise.
They stated that, “Though Community-Based Education is not yet taught in secondary school and at the university, we are ahead, already implementing it through community-based learning.”
The hands-on approach ensures students learn that environmental protection is their personal responsibility. When students’ clean public spaces such as the DCC’s office and plant trees to improve forest cover, they develop a deeper understanding of their role in achieving a healthy ecosystem.
Dr. Akong’o emphasized that achieving environmental sustainability requires cultivating young people to view conservation as their social responsibility rather than an optional activity.
“To achieve environmental sustainability, young people must be cultured and inspired to take environmental conservation as their social responsibility. Through socialization, young people are better placed in ensuring sustainability,” he said.
Environmental champion Tony Blair, a Rongo University alumnus who participated in the exercise, challenged participants to move beyond symbolic gestures and ensure long-term impact.
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“All those who planted trees must ensure they grow the trees, not just plant them,” Blair said, emphasizing the need for sustained commitment to environmental conservation.
To guarantee the survival of the planted trees, organizers have developed a comprehensive maintenance plan. The DCC’s office will take care of the trees planted in the compound, while St. Dominic Rabango students will maintain those planted at the school during dry seasons.
Although Rangwe area receives considerable stable rainfall, the maintenance plan aims to ensure 100 percent growth rate of all planted trees.
Nzioki said the establishment of tree nurseries in all schools within the sub-county represents a sustainable approach to managing deforestation and building environmental awareness among young people.
As Kenya grapples with the effects of climate change, including erratic rainfall and environmental degradation, youth engagement in conservation has become increasingly important.
The partnership between Rongo University Writers Club and St. Dominic Rabango Mixed Secondary School provides a model for other educational institutions seeking to contribute to national environmental goals while educating students about their role in climate action.
Major environmental challenges facing Kenya include deforestation and pollution driven by human activities. However, experts argue that targeting young people in learning institutions offers the best hope for long-term behavioral change and sustainable environmental practices.
By Michael Oduor
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