JKUAT Hosts Successful Environmental Cleanup Day: A Strong Step Towards Sustainability
By Grace Wendo,
In a vibrant show of environmental commitment and community engagement, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) held its Environmental Cleanup Day on Friday, 18th July 2025. The event, which ran from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, brought together university stakeholders, students, and public officials to
promote environmental stewardship and sustainable living practices.
The event was organized under the leadership of the Jomo Kenyatta University Students Association (JKUSA) in partnership with the GreenChange Initiative, IAESTE, Student Energy and various county and national bodies. The kickoff took place at the Assembly Hall, with cleaning materials and refreshments provided to all participants.
The event was packed with powerful speeches and inspiring voices, all echoing a common call: it’s time to take environmental responsibility seriously. Leading the charge was Peace Love Issa, President of JKUSA, who lit up the hall with a passionate reminder that unity and youth-led action are key to building a peaceful, eco-conscious future.
In attendance were representatives from the Kiambu county leadership, Hon. Jane Mwaniki (MCA) and Hon. David Kuria (CECM for Environment) who reaffirmed the county’s unwavering support for grassroots environmental efforts, emphasizing that community-driven solutions are key to long-term impact.
Adding a broader perspective, Mr. Njoroge Mbitu from the Ministry of Environment challenged attendees to rethink our economic habits. He broke down the unsustainable “Make, Take, Dispose” model and championed the shift towards a more circular, eco-friendly approach.
Ms. Sheila Mungai, representing RUWASCO, followed with a compelling reminder of the value of water—stressing the need for conservation and proper sewage management to safeguard our future.
Officials from The Dean of Students’ Office, county officials, and other energetic student leaders also joined the conversation, reinforcing the message that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility—and everyone has a part to play.
Key themes and recommendations from the discussions centered around practical, sustainable solutions for a greener future. These included promoting water harvesting to help communities store rainwater, embracing holistic recycling by turning waste into renewable energy and other useful products, and encouraging bio-gas production using kitchen waste, animal dung, and even human waste. Afforestation, particularly through the planting of bamboo for sustainable paper production, was also highlighted.
Eco-friendly transportation options like electric and hydrogen-powered cars were recommended, alongside the promotion of cremation as a more sustainable alternative to traditional burials. Participants also championed waste collection on foot to reduce vehicle emissions and emphasized the need to tap into solar energy to cut down on fossil fuel dependence.
The event witnessed active participation from students and faculty. Gloves and masks were distributed to volunteers, underscoring the importance of safety during cleanup activities. Teams were assigned various locations to clean, demonstrating the collaborative spirit of the day.
While the event was a success, it also served as a reminder of the ongoing need for consistent, everyday actions that contribute to environmental conservation. As articulated during the event, “We must stop cutting trees and start nurturing the earth if we want a livable future.”
JKUAT’s Environmental Cleanup Day was not just a day of action; it was a statement of intent. The university community reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and environmental consciousness.
