Kenya today launched the US$160 million Thamani Asili Programme at Tsavo West National Park, marking a significant milestone in thecountry's efforts to secure sustainable financing for wildlife conservation, ecosystem protection and community development.

The launch was presided over by the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, who represented president William Samoei Ruto, President of

The ten-year initiative brings together the Government of Kenya, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Enduring Earth and other conservation partners to safeguard Kenya's natural heritage while strengthening community livelihoods, water security, climate resilience and sustainable economic growth.

Under the programme agreement, the Government of Kenya has committed US$80 million, matched by US$80 million in philanthropic support mobilized through TNC and its alliance partner, Enduring Earth. Using the Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) model, Thamani Asili establishes a long-term financing framework designed to move conservation beyond short-term funding cycles towards predictable investment, institutional accountability and measurable results.

Over the next decade, the initiative will support conservation across 31 Counties contributing to Kenya's ambition to bring at least 30 per cent of its lands, inland waters and near-shore ecosystems under effective conservation and management.

This includes establishing approximately 2.7 million hectares of conserved areas, improving the management of 11 million hectares of existing conservation areas, and enabling communities to better manage a further six million hectares.

The programme is expected to directly benefit approximately 1.6 million people, with a further 3.9 million potentially benefiting from improved land governance, natural resource management and nature-based economic opportunities.

Investments areexpected to support approximately 7,800 direct jobs and 15,000 indirect jobs, creating opportunities in ecotourism, sustainable grazing, carbon initiatives and other nature- based enterprises.

Thamani Asili will initially focus on four priority landscapes: Tsavo to Coastal, Greater Ewaso, Greater Rift to Western, and Southern Kenya.

These landscapes are critical to biodiversity, wildlife movement, water security, climate resilience and the livelihoods of millions of Kenyans.

In the Tsavo-to-Coastal landscape, the programme will support improved ecosystem management, strengthen responses to human-wildlife conflict, protect critical water sources and promote sustainable community enterprises. Across the other landscapes, interventions will support rangeland management, wildlife corridors, endangered species conservation, land-use planning and community-led natural resource governance.

Working alongside communities, county governments, conservation partners and other stakeholders, the Kenya Wildlife Service will play a key role in translating these investments into practical conservation outcomes, including wildlife protection, improved human-wildlife coexistence and sustainable management of protected areas and connected landscapes.

Speaking at the launch, KWS Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga emphasised that successful conservation must protect both wildlife and the livelihoods, cultures and heritage of communities living alongside it.

“In Tsavo, conservation is not just about protecting wildlife; it is about protecting a way of life, honouring the cultures and heritage of our communities, and securing a future where people and wildlife thrive together. When elephants and livestock drink from the same water points, we are reminded that we share one landscape and one responsibility.

“Our communities are not separate from conservation; they are its heart. Together, we must ensure that the people who live alongside wildlife are not only its custodians but also beneficiaries of its value. Because when communities thrive, wildlife thrives,and our natural heritage lives on for generations to come,” said Prof. Kanga.

Ademola Ajagbe, Regional Managing Director for Africa at The Nature Conservancy, said Thamani Asili represents a fundamental shift towards predictable, long-term conservation financing, with community leadership and tangible benefits at the centre of its implementation.“Thamani Asili is a shift from short-term, project-based conservation to a long-term, sustainably financed model that secures Kenya's natural heritage for future generations. By aligning government, communities, conservation partners, and the private sector under a shared framework, the initiative will create lasting benefits for nature, livelihoods, and climate resilience at a national scale,” said Ajagbe.

He added that the programme's success would ultimately be measured by the difference it makes in people's lives and the opportunities it creates for communities to benefit from conservation.

“The true measure of Thamani Asili will not be the size of the fund. It will be the life of a herder made more secure by healthier rangelands; the young person who finds dignified work in the green economy; the woman who grows a conservation enterprise; the farmer whose soil holds more water; and the family that can prosper alongside wildlife.

“That is why community leadership is not an addition to this initiative. It is its centre of gravity,” said Ajagbe.

The programme will be administered through the newly established Thamani Asili Fund for Kenya, an independent conservation trust fund responsible for managing and disbursing programme financing and tracking progress against agreed conservation targets.

Thamani Asili is also expected to contribute to avoiding approximately 7.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions by 2035, reinforcing the link between nature conservation, climate action and economic resilience.

The initiative supports Kenya's Vision 2030, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), national climate commitments and global biodiversity goals.

By aligning long-term financing with measurable conservation outcomes and community priorities, the partnership seeks to ensure that protecting nature also strengthens livelihoods, creates economic opportunities and safeguards Kenya's natural heritage for future generations.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has announced the extension of the county’s Baba Care free medical services to November, following a significant increase in the number of patients seeking treatment at public health facilities.

Speaking during the Mashujaa Day celebrations at Mama Ngina Waterfront in Mombasa, Nassir said the growing number of patients visiting county hospitals demonstrates the strong demand for the free medical programme, prompting the county government to extend the services beyond October.

“The number of patients coming to our hospitals has gone up significantly, and this shows that our people really want this free medical service. This is why we have decided to extend Baba Care in our county medical facilities to November, instead of ending it in October,” Nassir said.

The governor added that the county government had also installed additional medical equipment in its health facilities to strengthen service delivery and improve hospitals’ capacity to handle the growing number of patients benefiting from the programme.

"We have also put in place more equipment in our facilities to help in this,” he said.

The additional equipment is expected to complement the extension of the free medical services by enhancing the capacity of county hospitals to respond to the increasing demand for healthcare.

The extension of Baba Care reflects the county government’s efforts to expand access to healthcare and ease the financial burden of medical expenses on households, particularly residents who face challenges accessing affordable treatment.

Nassir said the decision to extend the programme was informed by the public response to the initiative and the need to ensure residents continue benefiting from free medical services as the county works to improve healthcare delivery.

Kayole Starlets forward Calta Nasambu has secured a move to Haymana Spor Kulübü, which competes in the Turkish Women's Football Super League.

This marks a significant milestone in her career and highlights the opportunities created through Safaricom Chapa Dimba.

The 21-year-old, who previously featured for Barcelona Ladies SC in Laikipia before joining Kayole Starlets in February 2026, left for Turkey on Monday 20th October to join her new club.

Her contract runs from October 2026 to the end of the season in May 2027, with an option for an extension.

Nasambu joined Kayole Starlets alongside Barcelona Ladies SC teammates Sonia Wambui and Naomi Nanjala.

Since joining the Starlets, she has played a key role in helping the team finish sixth in the Kenyan Women’s Premier League last season.

“This is a dream come true. It has always been my prayer to play outside the country, and today, I am heading to Turkey. I believe this is just the beginning, and I will do my best to go even further. Safaricom taking me to Spain through Chapa Dimba opened the door to international opportunities, and I cannot thank them enough. I am also grateful to Barcelona Ladies SC and Kayole Starlets for believing in me and giving me a platform to showcase my talent,” said Nasambu.

At Haymana Spor Kulübü, Nasambu will reunite with her former Kayole Starlets teammates Lavin Achola and Euphrasier Shilwatso, who joined the Turkish club in August.

Nasambu first rose to prominence during the fourth season of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament, where she represented Barcelona Ladies SC and emerged as the competition’s top scorer, helping her team qualify for the national finals in Kisumu.

Her performances at the regional and national finals earned her a place in the Safaricom Chapa Dimba All-Stars team that travelled to Huesca, Spain, in 2025 for a week-long training camp.

While in Spain, she also earned an opportunity to train with Huesca’s women’s first team after impressing during friendly matches played as part of the tour.

Born and raised in Sikhendu, Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, Nasambu developed her football career at Barcelona Ladies SC in Laikipia under the guidance of coach Emman Wafula Gullit before moving to Kayole Starlets, where she continued to develop her skills and showcase her talent.

"Calta is one of the most talented players at Kayole Starlets. The way she controls and possesses the ball clearly shows that she has a bright future ahead of her. As a club, we are happy that she has earned the opportunity to join Turkish women’s football club Haymana Spor Kulübü for the remainder of the season. I wish her all the best as she takes this important step in her career,” said Faith Odit, Team Manager of Kayole Starlets.

Safaricom Chapa Dimba is a nationwide football tournament targeting young people aged 14 to 17.

The initiative provides young footballers with a platform to showcase their talent, compete at a high level, and pursue opportunities both on and off the pitch.

Through the tournament, talented players gain exposure, access to professional development opportunities, and pathways to advance their football careers.

Businessman and politician Suleiman Shahbal has called for unity and collective action among Mombasa political aspirants, saying the county’s transformation will depend on their ability to work together towards a common goal.

Shahbal made the remarks during a meeting with Mombasa aspirants at the New Democrats Party offices in Mombasa, where he shared his vision for the county’s future and urged leaders to put aside their differences in pursuit of a shared development agenda.

He said Mombasa needed a united approach focused on political change, economic growth and social development to create opportunities and improve residents’ livelihoods.

I believe that the future of Mombasa depends on our ability to work together towards a common goal,” Shahbal said.

He outlined three key areas he believes should guide the county’s transformation: a Political Revolution, an Economic Revolution and a Social Revolution.

"Together, we must champion a Political Revolution, an Economic Revolution, and a Social Revolution that will create opportunities, empower our people, and improve the lives of every Mombasa resident,” he said.

Shahbal stressed that political and personal differences should not undermine the collective responsibility of leaders to address the needs and aspirations of Mombasa residents.

“Our differences should never stand in the way of our shared responsibility to build a better Mombasa,” he said.

He further emphasised the importance of teamwork and a shared vision, noting that cooperation among leaders would be essential in pursuing meaningful change across the county.

“Through unity, teamwork, and a shared vision, we can achieve the transformation our people deserve,” Shahbal added.

The meeting comes as political leaders and aspirants continue engaging on the future direction of Mombasa ahead of the 2027 General Election. Shahbal’s message centred on the need for collaboration and a common development agenda to address residents’ social and economic aspirations.

His proposed three-pronged approach places political transformation, economic empowerment and social progress at the centre of his vision for Mombasa.

Nyali parliamentary aspirant Said Abdallah has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting education and empowering young people after visiting schools across Nyali Sub-County to encourage candidates ahead of their final examinations.

Abdallah used the visits to motivate learners, interact with teachers and issue success cards as a gesture of encouragement ahead of the crucial examinations.

He said the initiative was intended to inspire confidence among candidates and remind them that their efforts and aspirations matter to the wider community.

“I believe in supporting and uplifting our community through learning,” Abdallah said, adding that he looked forward to returning to celebrate the learners’ success when the results are released.

He commended the candidates for their dedication and determination, urging them to remain focused throughout the examination period.

“Your hard work will surely bear fruit. Your success is our pride,” he said.

Nyali parliamentary aspirant Said Abdalla, popularly known as Saido, has intensified his trader empowerment programme alongside a voter registration drive ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Saido led hundreds of supporters in a door-to-door campaign across Kongowea Ward, where he distributed umbrellas to small-scale traders and issued several cheques to support business growth amid rising operational costs.

The initiative, he said, was aimed at supporting traders grappling with the rising cost of doing business, including the impact of increased fuel prices linked to instability in the Middle East.

Speaking during the exercise, Saido emphasised the need for leaders to prioritise practical interventions that directly benefit ordinary citizens.

“Our traders are the backbone of the local economy. They deserve practical support that strengthens their businesses, protects their livelihoods and enables them to provide for their families,” said Saido.

He also urged residents to register as voters ahead of the 2027 General Election, terming voter registration a critical step in enabling citizens to participate in shaping the country’s leadership and future.

“Every eligible citizen should take the initiative to register as a voter. The future of our communities depends on our willingness to participate in the democratic process and make informed decisions,” he said.

Saido further challenged political leaders to focus on development and service delivery rather than exploiting tribal, religious and class differences for political gain.

"The people of Nyali deserve leaders who remain accessible and committed to their needs beyond the election period. Leadership should be about service, accountability and development, not creating divisions or making empty promises when elections approach,” he added.

He cautioned residents against politicians he accused of appearing only during election campaigns, urging them to scrutinise leaders’ records, commitments and engagement with communities before making their choices.

The Kongowea outreach forms part of Saido’s growing grassroots engagements as political activity gradually builds towards the 2027 General Election.

Excitement filled Lukenya Schools in Athi River as the institution commissioned a new solar power project aimed at reducing its dependence on the national electricity grid, cutting energy costs and ensuring reliable power for learning and boarding operations.

The solar project, installed by Safer Power Limited, comprises a 40.92 kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system, a 40 kW AC hybrid inverter system and an 80 kWh Energy Storage System (ESS). 

The system is expected to offset a significant portion of the school's daytime electricity consumption while providing battery-backed power during outages.

Speaking during the commissioning, Lukenya Schools Director Mutheu Kasanga said the institution hoped to eventually move completely off the grid.

“Today we have commissioned a solar plant and hope to move completely out of the grid,” Kasanga said.

She said the school had experienced significant challenges with unreliable grid power, particularly because of its location in a rural setting.

“Some of the challenges we have had with the grid being a rural school are quite significant. It takes a lot to resolve some of the issues, and we have had to invest in the past in a backup system when we have grid failure,” she said.

As a boarding institution, Kasanga said Lukenya Schools requires electricity around the clock, making reliability a critical consideration.

“We are a boarding school, we have day and night consumption of power and we wanted a reliable source of energy that is in our control,” she said.

She cited vandalism of transmission infrastructure, including power lines and transformers, as among the disruptions that had forced the school to rely on alternative sources such as generators.

The impact of power interruptions, she explained, went beyond lighting classrooms and dormitories. The school's food storage and cooling systems also depend heavily on electricity.

“Our institution has so many processes that rely on electricity, from cooling machines to storage machines for food,” Kasanga said.

The new solar system, she added, would make it easier for the school to plan its expenditure and avoid unexpected energy costs.

“For us, having this system resolves a lot of things. Not only do we get to plan expenditure and pay bills on time, but we are also headed towards the rainy season and were getting worried.”

Kasanga said power outages during rainy weather had been a particular concern, especially as the school entered the examination season.

“We are now assured that we will have power throughout, and we also know that food will not be consumed outside programme when we have extended outages. Our freezers will be running,” she said.

She recalled that during prolonged outages, the school sometimes had to use food earlier than planned to prevent it from spoiling.

“When you had extended outages, we would go to the freezers and give students [food] that was meant for another time to avoid it from going bad,” she said.

The solar investment is also expected to bring financial benefits to the institution at a time when the cost of living and operating expenses continue to rise.

“In Kenya today, the cost of living has gone up, and for us to have one thing that is stable and reliable is a saving in itself,” Kasanga said.

She said uncertainty over electricity bills had made budgeting difficult, adding that savings from the solar system would be channelled back into the school.

“We never knew when there would be an increase in electricity even as we budgeted. We will be saving a lot of money, which goes back to reinvestment in the school,” she said.

Kasanga said the ultimate beneficiaries would be the learners, as savings would allow the institution to invest more in their learning environment.

“Children are the greatest beneficiaries. We will improve their learning spaces. For us, the investment will pay off,” she said.

She added that the school's new energy system came with long-term battery guarantees.

“Today we are our own source of power, with guarantees of 15 years on batteries,” she said.

Safer Power Group CEO Dalmus Mbai said the Lukenya project represents more than an investment in renewable energy. He said it demonstrates how African institutions can begin addressing some of the continent's persistent energy challenges.

“When we are commissioning some of these projects, I focus on excellence of Africa. Potential of Africa-what does it mean to learners?” Mbai said.

He argued that many of the challenges facing the continent are linked, directly or indirectly, to inadequate or unreliable access to electricity.

“When you look at the problems facing Africa, 90 per cent of those are related to power,” he said.

Mbai pointed to healthcare, manufacturing and food storage as sectors that are particularly vulnerable when electricity is unreliable or expensive.

“If it is healthcare, hospitals are not able to store medicine. In manufacturing, factories do not have enough power. Power is too expensive,” he said.

At the same time, he noted that Africa has abundant solar resources that provide an opportunity to address the challenge.

“Africa has the highest number of sun hours from January to December. Why are we not able to tap into that potential? It has to start somewhere,” Mbai said.

He challenged the students at Lukenya Schools to view the project as part of a broader lesson about Africa's energy future.

“Lukenya students, remember you are being prepared to tap into this potential that is in Africa,” he said.

Mbai added that young people would need the right guidance and knowledge to make use of the continent's renewable energy potential.

“We just need to guide the students and show them the right way,” he said.

Lukenya Schools founder Kasanga Mulwea said the commissioning marked a particularly significant milestone in the institution's history.

“Today I am the luckiest person. We have switched from one system to another,” Mulwea said.

She recalled the challenges she faced when the school was being established more than three decades ago, including the high cost of extending electricity infrastructure to the institution.

“Thirty-four years ago, the troubles we had, I had to pay commercial rates to get power from the road to here,” she said.

Mulwea said the cost of securing power infrastructure in the past had been substantially higher than the investment in the new solar project.

“I paid many millions more than what I have paid today for Safer Power,” she said.

With its solar panels, hybrid inverter and substantial battery storage now in operation, the school expects to have greater control over its energy supply while redirecting savings towards its core mission.

As the world prepares to mark World Sight Day on 8th October 2026, eye health advocates are pointing to a simple fact: many children who seem to be struggling at school are struggling to see. They find it difficult reading their books or taking notes, and they can barely read what is written on the blackboard.

Data from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) shows that uncorrected refractive error is the leading cause of vision impairment in children. In Tanzania it accounts for an estimated 27,178 years of lost schooling every year.

The same data shows the cost of that loss. A child whose vision problem is identified at age five and corrected with quality glasses through to age 18 could see their lifetime earnings rise by 124%, in effect doubling them. Tanzania is one of 23 countries where IAPB found this to be the case.

Eye health experts often say that about 80% of learning is visual. Children read the board, follow text and copy notes with their eyes. When vision is blurred, a bright child can be mistaken for a slow one, or one who isn’t trying.

"A child who can’t see the board can easily be mistaken for a child who isn’t learning,” said Anadine Marshall, Programs Director at CharityVision International. “A simple vision screening can identify a problem that might otherwise go unnoticed for years.”

Vision barriers can affect any child’s education, and if they go unaddressed, the effects can last a lifetime. Children who fall behind early may repeat classes, lose confidence or leave school sooner, all of which can limit their future earning power.

Tanzania’s Ministry of Health has recognised child eye health as a priority.

In 2019 it added eye health to the country’s Integrated Management of Newborn and Childhood Illness (IMNCI) strategy, and more than 3,500 primary health care workers have since been trained under IMNCI, including its eye health module.

Ministry data cited in the Community Eye Health Journal indicates these health workers see an average of 5.8 million children a year, which could mean identifying nearly 250,000 children with eye problems annually.

That is a large number of children who need follow-up care, and it shows why reaching them early matters.

Behind these figures are children like Ahmed Ally and Consolatha David.

Ahmed, 16, from Zanzibar, lived for years with a blurred view of the world beyond arm’s length. He struggled to read the blackboard, and his family could not afford eye care.

Learning became so difficult that he had to repeat several classes. Then a school eye-screening team visited his school and screened his vision for the first time.

They found high myopia and referred him for an examination and a prescription. When he put on his first pair of glasses, his teachers celebrated with him. Today, he can follow his lessons and take part in class with renewed confidence.

Consolatha, 8, dreams of becoming a doctor. When she couldn’t see the board, she assumed the problem was her seat, and her teacher moved her to the front. It didn’t help.

Her teacher told her parents she needed glasses, but they could not afford eye care and told her to stay home.

Then the SightBuddies school screening programme arrived at Chibelela Sokoine Primary School, one of the first schools it visited. Her mother brought her to the free screening, where she received the glasses she needed. She is back in school, seeing her lessons clearly and working toward her dream.

SightBuddies: taking eye care to the classroom

SightBuddies is a school-focused vision screening initiative run by CharityVision. It provides free or low-cost prescription glasses and eye care to children, reaching them where they already are: in school.

For families who cannot afford or reach an eye clinic, a screening at school can be the first step.

"By reaching children at school and providing glasses when they need them, we can remove a simple barrier that can make an enormous difference in their education, confidence, and future,” Marshall said.

A call to act

IAPB Chief Executive Peter Holland said a simple eye test and glasses “could be one of the best investments a parent can make for their child’s future”. He urged governments to ensure every child has access to sight tests and glasses.

Sumrana Yasmin, Technical Director for Inclusive Health at Sightsavers, said investing in eye tests and glasses is about “unlocking potential, transforming lives, and ensuring no child is left behind.”

This World Sight Day, parents who can are encouraged to have their children’s eyes tested, and schools and communities are urged to support screening. As Ahmed’s and Consolatha’s stories show, one screening and one pair of glasses can change what a child sees and what they imagine for their future.

Principal Secretary for Children Services Carren Ageng’o has called on schools, parents, county governments and the private sector to strengthen environmental conservation efforts, saying lasting change must begin with children and young people.

Speaking during the launch of the fourth edition of the First Lady’s Mazingira Awards (FLAMA) in Miritini, Mombasa, on Friday, October 9, 2026, Ageng’o said environmental protection requires collective responsibility and practical action beyond government policies and regulations.

“The multi-sectoral character of FLAMA demonstrates an important truth: environmental conservation is everybody’s responsibility,” she said.

Ageng’o commended First Lady Rachel Ruto for championing the initiative, which promotes environmental conservation, climate action, creativity and innovation among learners.

She said the awards provide an important platform for integrating environmental education into schools, homes and communities, helping young people understand environmental challenges and develop solutions.

“The question before our generation is therefore not whether we should conserve our environment. The question is: What are we doing today to ensure that future generations inherit a healthy, productive and sustainable Kenya?” she posed.

Calls for practical environmental action

The Principal Secretary said Kenya’s natural resources, including forests, rivers, wetlands, wildlife, oceans and beaches, support livelihoods and economic activities but face growing threats from deforestation, pollution, land degradation, water scarcity and climate change.

She called for environmental education to translate into practical initiatives such as school tree nurseries, rainwater harvesting, school gardens, recycling, energy conservation and active environmental clubs.

“If we want a greener and more resilient Kenya, we must cultivate environmental consciousness early and transform knowledge into action,” Ageng’o said.

She added that the success of FLAMA should not be measured only by the number of entries received or awards presented, but also by tangible environmental improvements in schools and communities.

“It should be measured by the trees that survive, rivers and water sources that are protected, waste that is diverted from our environment, innovations that are developed and communities whose environmental practices change,” she said.

Mombasa’s coastal environment in focus

Ageng’o said Mombasa was an appropriate location for the launch because the Coast demonstrates the close relationship between environmental conservation, livelihoods and economic prosperity.

She noted that marine ecosystems support fisheries, tourism, transport and other economic activities, while mangrove forests protect coastlines, provide breeding grounds for marine life and strengthen climate resilience.

However, she warned that pollution, plastic waste, habitat destruction and climate change continue to threaten these ecosystems.

“Waste does not simply disappear. It travels. It accumulates. And eventually, it affects our ecosystems, our livelihoods and our economy,” she said, calling for responsible waste management and reduced plastic pollution.

She also urged schools and communities to move beyond tree planting and embrace long-term care for seedlings.

“Planting is an activity. Growing is a commitment,” she said, encouraging participants to adopt the principle of “Plant, Nurture and Protect.”

Children urged to become climate champions

The Principal Secretary emphasised that children should not be viewed merely as beneficiaries of environmental programmes but as active participants in conservation.

At the State Department for Children Services, she said, children’s participation remains important in ensuring they can express their views, contribute ideas and take part in decisions affecting their lives and communities.

“We must listen to them. We must learn from their creativity. We must support their innovations. And we must give them opportunities to participate meaningfully in conservation,” she said.

Ageng’o challenged learners to take responsibility for environmental protection in their everyday activities, including planting trees, conserving water, avoiding littering and inspiring others to protect nature.

“Do not wait to become leaders before you protect the environment. You are already leaders,” she told the learners.

She added that environmental degradation has direct implications for children’s welfare, noting that drought, floods, polluted water and declining livelihoods can disrupt their health, education and overall wellbeing.

“A healthy environment is therefore one of the foundations upon which children can grow, learn and thrive,” she said.

FLAMA expands school participation

Arnold Kipchumba, Director of Environment and Livelihoods at the Office of the First Lady, said the awards provide learners in primary and junior schools with a platform to express their understanding of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss through art, essay writing and poetry.

“Since then, FLAMA has given learners in primary and junior schools a platform to express, through art, essay writing and poetry, what climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss mean to them, and what they would do about it,” Kipchumba said.

He noted that the programme goes beyond recognising winners, with participants encouraged to become environmental champions in their schools and communities.

Kipchumba cited the example of Sasha Chepkoech Ng’eny, who planted her first tree at the age of five and has since participated in school tree-planting initiatives and written a book about her journey.

He said the programme seeks to identify and nurture young environmental advocates from across Kenya’s 47 counties.

According to Elizabeth Koskei, Chief Executive Officer of Joyful Women Organization, FLAMA participation has grown significantly since its launch in 2023, when 500 schools took part, compared with 3,500 schools in the previous edition.

Koskei urged teachers and head teachers to continue mobilising learners through 4K and Environment Clubs, encouraging creativity and practical environmental responsibility.

“Climate action can sometimes sound like something too big for an ordinary person to do. But it begins with very ordinary choices,” she said, citing tree planting, proper waste disposal, water and electricity conservation, and recycling as actions learners can embrace.

New timeline for the awards

Kipchumba said the organisers had adjusted the FLAMA calendar to give learners more time to develop their entries and align the competition with the school calendar.

School registration on the FLAMA portal, www.flama.go.ke, opens immediately after the launch. Learners are expected to begin submitting entries in January 2027, with submissions closing in April.

The winners are scheduled to be celebrated in June 2027, coinciding with the month in which World Environment Day is observed.

The awards welcome creative submissions in English and Kiswahili, as well as Braille and Kenyan Sign Language, supporting the participation of learners with diverse abilities.

Kipchumba called on schools across the country, including special schools, special units and inclusive schools, to register and participate.

Stakeholders urged to support FLAMA

Ageng’o called on schools and teachers to integrate environmental action into everyday learning, parents to reinforce responsible practices at home, and county governments to support community conservation and young environmental innovators.

She also urged the private sector to invest in green innovation, recycling, renewable energy and environmental education, while calling on development partners, civil society and the media to support conservation initiatives and highlight environmental champions.

“As Government, we remain committed to working with the Office of the First Lady and all stakeholders to advance a cleaner, greener, healthier and more resilient Kenya,” she said.

The initiative is supported by partners including the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, the Kenya Forest Service, the Kenya Primary School Heads Association, the Kenya National Union of Teachers, NCBA Group and Kenya Pipeline Company.

Koskei thanked NCBA for supporting learners through the opening of 38 junior savings accounts, linking financial awareness with the importance of investing in the future. She also acknowledged Kenya Pipeline Company for providing mangrove seedlings and the Kenya Forest Service for identifying and preparing the planting site.

The launch was held ahead of Mazingira Day, marked annually on October 10, under the theme “Mazingira Yetu, Jukumu Letu” — Our Environment, Our Responsibility.

Ageng’o concluded by urging Kenyans to take collective responsibility for protecting the environment for future generations.

“Because the environment we protect today is the inheritance we bequeath to generations yet unborn,” she said.

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar says preparations for the party’s ward-level elections in Mombasa County have been completed, with the exercise set for Thursday.

Omar said the party has been strengthening its structures in Mombasa and across the country as it seeks to establish a strong grassroots presence ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“Plans for the UDA ward-level elections in Mombasa County are complete. We are set for tomorrow, and we are looking forward to a successful election,” Omar said.

A unique aspect of the elections, according to Omar, is that the officials who will be elected at ward level will be chosen by leaders who have already been assigned to different polling centres.

“This election is unique because it is leaders who will be electing their leaders. Those who will be voting are the leaders who have been assigned to different polling stations,” he said.

UDA has set aside 20 officials to be elected in every ward as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s grassroots leadership and organisational structures.

Omar said the process is intended to ensure that UDA establishes representation across the country.

“As a party, we want to have representation everywhere in the country. We have been strengthening our party in the county and the country at large,” he said.

He also assured party members that participation in the exercise would be open to all eligible members under the party’s electoral arrangements.

“No one will be stopped from voting, as long as you are a party member,” Omar said.

The UDA Secretary General said the successful completion of the grassroots elections would further strengthen the party’s structures at ward and polling-centre level.

The elections form part of UDA’s wider grassroots mobilisation and organisational efforts ahead of the 2027 General Election. UDA had initially scheduled the Mombasa polls for October 3 but later moved them to October 8, citing the ongoing Presidential Development Tour and related official engagements