First Lady Celebrates Environmental Champions
These awards have highlighted several persons, communities, and organizations that have done wonders in the protection of the environment.

Mazingira Day Celebration. Photo by The Star.
By Robert Mutasi
First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto presided over the inaugural Mazingira Awards Winners Ceremony at the State House in Nairobi.
The event recognized individuals and organizations that have gone out of their way in environmental conservation and the restoration of all types of ecosystems within and outside Kenya.
Those present included some high-profile leaders and environmental advocates, such as Cabinet Secretary for Environment Aden Duale, who hailed the move as a critical step toward securing a sustainable future for Kenya.
The Mazingira Awards, under the patronage of the First Lady, are reserved for environmental champions struggling day and night to curb the evil effects of climate change and to cause restoration of ecology.
In his speech, Aden Duale insisted on the need to form what he called a “green army” — citizens committed to the environmental preservation of trees through planting, conversation, and sustenance.
“We are building a green army through the recognition to engage in the struggle against the effects of climate change through reforestation, conservation, and sustainable practices,” said Duale.
Inspired by the long-standing commitment of Mama Rachel Ruto to environmental concerns, the First Lady’s Mazingira Awards are intended to inspire a new generation of environmental champions.
These awards have highlighted several persons, communities, and organizations that have done wonders in the protection of the environment. From tree planting to biodiversity conservation, or even eco-friendly innovations, the awardees epitomized the spirit of environmental activism.
During the event, Mama Rachel Ruto reiterated that environmental conservation plays a critical role in ensuring Kenya’s sustainable development.
The wife of the President identified that climate change has posed a severe threat to Kenya’s agricultural and water resources, thus commanding long-term solutions to protect the country’s natural assets.
“This is not only a celebration of what we have achieved so far but a call to action for every Kenyan. Our environment is our future, and we must all take part in its preservation and restoration,” she said.
The Mazingira Awards come at a critical time when Kenya, like many nations, is reeling under the impact of climate change characterized by erratic rainfall, drought, and deforestation.
It called for a collective approach to protect the environment for better inheritance by future generations.
The call was made at the end of the ceremony, which called for wider community involvement, planting of trees, reduction of waste, and other green practices that would be in support of Kenya’s environmental agenda.