The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary General Collins Oyuu has led a team of officials in a tree planting exercise at Bamburi and Shimon la Tewa Primary Schools in Mombasa county ahead of its 64th Annual Delegates Conference (ADC) which kicks off tomorrow.
Speaking during the exercise, Oyuu stated that trees play a critical role in mitigating climate change, conserving biodiversity, and improving local livelihoods thereby encouraging students to act as custodians of the trees planted, nurturing them as part of their contribution to environmental stewardship.
“Climate change affects us all, and as educators, we must lead by example in teaching our children the importance of caring for our environment,” said Oyuu, reiterating the value of the tree planting campaign especially to the Coast region which has been affected greatly.
According to Oyuu, the exercise not only aims to improve schools’ surroundings but also sought to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable practices among learners, observing that by involving students in hands-on activities, it instills values of responsibility and care for nature from an early age.
He added that the union’s engagement in climate action demonstrates KNUT’s evolving role beyond advocating for teachers’ welfare, further noting that educators are uniquely positioned to drive social change, as they shape future generations’ attitudes and behaviors.
The same was echoed by KNUT National Chairperson Patrick Karinga, who stated that tree planting serves as a practical demonstration of how communities can take action against climate change, encouraging schools, families, and local organizations to adopt tree-planting as part of their regular activities to instill environmental consciousness in younger generations.
“Planting trees is a tangible way to mitigate the adverse effects of climate changes, including deforestation, soil erosion, and carbon emissions. It is a step toward restoring ecosystems and promoting biodiversity,” he said.
Mr Boniface Kiome, Deputy CEO, Mama Doing Good
Mama Doing Good (MDG) Deputy CEO Boniface Kiome on his part stated that the tree planting initiative involves planting both fruit and wild trees in schools and it aims at promoting food security, improve nutrition, and enhance livelihoods while fostering environmental conservation.
“Though seemingly simple, this partnership demonstrates how unity and shared purpose can drive significant change across the country,” he said.
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The tree planting exercise was conducted in partnership with the MDG which is the First Lady Rachel Ruto’s initiative and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI).
The tree planting drive aligns with the government’s goal of achieving 30% forest cover by 2032.
By Shaban Omar
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