The 2023 “The Green Champions” was awarded to two environment transformation schools: Olashapani Girls Secondary led by Glory Nkatha and Ongata Primary led by Geoffrey Kigeni. More than 2500 participating learners drawn from 55 schools ( 40 primary and 15 secondary) were also recognised.
It is estimated that energy saving cook stoves reduce firewood consumption by (35-45) % thus reducing pressure on trees. Indeed, pressure on forests and farm woodlots is often fueled by use of traditional biomass in form firewood and charcoal to meet the daily cooking needs in schools and at households.
Enhanced partnership between schools, government, communities and Nguzo Africa is creating a new wave of tree growing appetite in Narok County.
In a few years, the community members were laid back when they were asked to grow trees. School managers and farmers never took tree growing activities serious.
The renewed partnership actions from Nguzo Africa, the community members and governments (national and county) has recorded positive changes.
Ratia Ridge Primary School, in upper parts of Narok North once is setting the pace in tree growing and restoration of degraded landscapes. The landscapes around the school have been depleted of trees due to extensive commercial farming of barley, wheat, maize, and other horticultural crops.
Kotolian Secondary School in Narok South has demonstrated that to succeed in tree growing, you must provide leadership, invest resources and be committed.
For starters, with aggressive livestock grassing, drought and harsh climatic conditions in degraded dry lands, it is easy to dismiss tree growing projects in schools.
This year's erratic rains is most devastating in our tree growing efforts. It has inflicted short-term pain and in the longer term to helped us to find innovative ways to grow trees in ASALs and degraded lands.
If communities respond appropriately, they could trigger a renewed focus on environment conservation in schools, communities and household to stabilize the climate change crisis.
When Stanley Kiok enrolled at Kotolian Mixed Day Secondary School in the Narok South Sub County of Narok County three years ago, he had no idea his path would lead him to a compelling story of profound change. Back then, the school looked like a desert. The landscape in shades of brown and beige, stretched as far as the eye could see, cracked and thirsty. The classrooms, weather-beaten and dilapidated, stood like ancient relics, bearing witness to years of neglect. The few trees left were struggling to survive, with hardly any leaves left.
Tree growing in schools in arid and semi areas is not a walk in the park. It is often challenging and survival rates are low. Despite these challenges, there are schools that have demonstrated that it is possible to grow trees in these areas with easy.
One of these champions is Oltarakwai secondary school which is located at the upper parts of Ololulunga ward of Narok South Sub County. It is a mixed day secondary school with a population of 400 students.
