By Matilda Atieno
Kisumu has officially launched its pre-event campaign towards Mazingira Day 2025, driving immediate action through a large-scale clean-up and tree-planting exercise. The mobilization successfully engaged local communities, traders, and students from Usoma Comprehensive school, Ogalo Secondary and Ogalo Comprehensive school, urging them to embrace environmental stewardship ahead of the national celebration on Friday, October 10, 2025.
The pre-event activities organised by the county government, together with state departments, in collaboration with private partners, support the clean-up exercise in markets and beaches, as well as tree planting in schools, markets, and along the beach. The multi-agency convoy and team kicked off at Usoma Primary School, Usoma Beach, Ogalo Secondary School, Ogalo Comprehensive School, Holo Market, and Ogalo Beach.
The day’s activities was led by the PS for the State Department for Children Services under the Ministry for Gender, Culture and Children Services, Caren Agengo CPA, who flagged the activities in different venues, highlighting the connection between a clean environment and the welfare of children.
The PS was joined by key county and national officials, underscoring the collaborative approach to environmental conservation. The delegation included Hon. Judith Oluoch, CECM for Water, Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Hon. Beatrice Odongo, CECM for Sports, Culture, Gender and Youth Affairs, County Director for ECD Ms. Wilkister Odero, the County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo, ensuring maximum coordination and security, among other county and state officials, Representatives from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and Officials from the Lake Victoria South Water Agency (LVSWA).
PS Agengo spearheaded the clean-up at Holo Market as well as leading tree-planting initiatives within the school compounds and along the sensitive beach riparian zones in Usoma and Ogalo beach.
In her address, the PS rallied participants to action under the theme “Citizen-Centric Tree Growing and Environmental Stewardship,” emphasizing personal responsibility. “This is not just a one-day event; this is a declaration of responsibility,” PS Agengo stated. “When we protect our rivers, markets, and beaches, we are investing directly in the health and future prosperity of our young generation.”
The PS also used the opportunity to extend direct educational support, issuing foodstuffs and writing materials to local students preparing for their national exams. This gesture reinforced the commitment of the State Department for Children Services to supporting the educational journeys of vulnerable children. She also formally invited residents to join the official county Mazingira Day celebrations tomorrow, on October 10th, which will be hosted at Lwala Kodawo Primary School.
Furthering the focus on youth engagement, PS Agengo urged young people across Kisumu to register for the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) Project. Adding that it is a nationwide initiative targeting youths across all 47 counties, aiming to create sustainable income-generating opportunities and foster community innovation.
She encouraged youths to participate by dialing +254# to apply via mobile phone or by visiting local Sub-County Headquarters for direct assistance and information, or through the official website nyotaproject.go.ke to find detailed resources and information
The successful pre-event, marked by community collaboration and high-level government involvement, sends a strong message that realizing a clean, healthy, and sustainable future for all begins with collective, consistent action at the local level.