By Matilda Atieno
The county Government commitment to environmental stewardship was on full display today as the CECM for Water, Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources, Ms Judith Oluoch, graced the “Race to Net Zero Climate Operations Event (COP 2)” at an event held at the Mary Okello Conservancy in Nyangeta earlier today.
The event successfully mobilized diverse stakeholders to take tangible climate action, bringing together young learners from Golden Elites, Aghakan, and Victoria Comprehensive Primary Schools, alongside teachers, climate champions, policymakers, and private sector representatives, including Kibos Sugar Company, KeNHA, NEMA, as well as students from GLUCK University, culminating in the planting of 6,000 indigenous tree species.
In her keynote address, the CECM lauded the participants, especially the young learners, for their vigorous engagement, highlighting the crucial role of education and community involvement in achieving climate resilience.
“The enthusiasm witnessed today, from our young climate champions to our dedicated policymakers, is a powerful indicator of Kisumu leadership in advancing sustainable development and environmental stewardship,” Ms. Oluoch stated.
She further announced a significant commitment from the event’s organizers, Hydromarine Global, to a sustained collaboration with the County. “Beyond this flagship event, Hydromarine Global is keen to establish a long-term partnership with the Department of Environment, Climate Change, Water and Natural Resources in driving the Race to Net Zero Climate Campaign,” she affirmed. “Together, we can strengthen community climate education, promote conservation initiatives, and support Kisumu’s journey towards a resilient and green future.”
The CECM applauded the Mary Okello Conservancy through its Co-Founder and Chairman, Dr. Mary Okelo, for the initiative. Ms Oluoch also joined the participants in a tree planting exercise, and thereafter issued certificates of participation to the learners as teachers received climate-friendly learning materials. The event showcased a collective effort in reinforcing the County’s dedication to tackling climate change through inclusive, community-driven solutions.
The event also served as a platform to showcase various youth-led solutions from Kisumu. The participation of students from different schools underscores the County’s strategy to integrate climate literacy into the educational system and nurture the next generation of environmental leaders.
The successful planting of 6,000 indigenous trees marks a major step in the County’s ongoing afforestation efforts, which are critical for enhancing forest cover, conserving water catchments, and sequestering carbon—all necessary actions to adapt and mitigate the impacts of climate change, such as the increasing risk of floods and droughts in the region.
The event concluded with a strong commitment from all attendees to sustain the momentum generated by the COP 2, ensuring that the Race to Net Zero becomes a permanent and transformative feature of the Kisumu development agenda. #RaceToNetZero #ClimateAction #treeplanting @HydromarineGlobal Kenya National Highways Authority