Schools in Kisii County have been asked to make tree planting a regular feature of their annual education days as part of broader efforts to conserve the environment.
Speaking at Borangi PAG Secondary School in Bobasi Constituency during its Education Day on Friday, May 29, 2026 Principal Secretary in the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Isaboke said preserving and conserving the environment is vital for food security and the mental health of both learners and educators. He noted that environmental stewardship should not be treated as a separate activity but should be integrated into the school calendar so that students learn through practice.
Isaboke emphasized that a conducive environment is a direct input into the quality of education. He said a conducive learning environment goes beyond classrooms and encompasses physical, social, and psychological conditions that allow teaching and learning to thrive.
Clean air, shade, and safe water make it easier for learners to concentrate, while tree planting helps regulate temperatures around school compounds, reduces dust, and improves air quality. When schools have green spaces, students spend less time dealing with heat stress and more time engaged in lessons. Proper sanitation, adequate lighting, and well-maintained classrooms also help reduce absenteeism caused by illness.
Isaboke, who led participants in planting trees within the school compound, urged schools to plant at least 200 seedlings every month if the country is to achieve its goal of becoming greener. He also pledged 10 computers to Borangi PAG Secondary School to help learners embrace digital learning.
Dr Isaac Masani of Mt Kenya University added that environmental conservation also supports school feeding programmes and household food security. He noted that fruit trees and woodlots planted on school land can supplement meals while teaching students practical skills in agriculture and sustainability. When families are food secure, children attend school more consistently and are better able to focus on their studies. At the same time, access to green spaces has a documented effect on stress reduction and improved concentration, providing learners and teachers with places to rest, reflect, and interact outside the formal classroom setting.
A conducive environment also means a safe and respectful school climate that is free from bullying and discrimination. When environmental activities such as tree planting are undertaken collectively, they promote cooperation, responsibility, and a sense of ownership among students.
These social skills often translate into better classroom dynamics and stronger peer support for learning. The advancement of education also requires reliable electricity, internet connectivity, and adequate learning materials. Isaboke’s portfolio in broadcasting and telecommunications is closely linked to this agenda, since digital content and remote learning can only be effective when schools have stable power and connectivity. Integrating environmental projects with infrastructure planning ensures that schools are not only green but also connected.
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The call to make tree planting part of Education Day activities is therefore more than symbolic. It links environmental action to daily school life, creates immediate improvements within school compounds, and reinforces lessons on responsibility and long-term planning. If sustained, the practice can contribute to better health outcomes, improved attendance, and a school culture that values both knowledge and care for the surrounding community.
By Enock Okong’o
By Frank Mugwe
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