PS Kimotho Leads Mazingira Day at Ngong Township Comprehensive School

Mazingira Day 2025 carried a deeper meaning for CPA Ephantus Kimotho, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Irrigation. This year, he returned to his alma mater; Ngong Township Comprehensive School; not as a student, but as a leader, mentor, and environmental champion.

It was a nostalgic journey back to the very grounds where his childhood dreams were nurtured. The school, located in the heart of Ngong, came alive with colour, energy, and optimism as teachers, students, and community members gathered to commemorate the national Mazingira Day. The event was not only about planting trees but also about inspiring a lasting culture of environmental responsibility among young people.

From the moment PS Kimotho signed the Visitors’ Book to officially mark his participation, the tone of the day was set; one of reflection, unity, and shared purpose.

Celebrating Environmental Stewardship

The State Department for Irrigation has, in recent years, taken an active role in promoting sustainable environmental practices that complement Kenya’s broader development agenda. As part of this commitment, PS Kimotho used the Mazingira Day platform to encourage schools and communities to embrace tree planting as a daily habit rather than a one-day event.

At Ngong Township Comprehensive School, he joined pupils, teachers, and local residents in planting both fruit trees and a mix of indigenous and exotic tree species. Each sapling represented hope; hope for cleaner air, restored ecosystems, and a greener, healthier nation.

The atmosphere was filled with joy and determination as learners dug small holes, filled them with rich soil, and carefully placed young trees inside. PS Kimotho’s participation in this simple yet powerful activity symbolized his belief that great transformations often begin with small, consistent actions.

A Message of Inspiration to the Young Generation

As part of the day’s celebrations, PS Kimotho addressed the students, reminding them that the future of Kenya’s environment rests in their hands. His message was clear and heartfelt ; protecting the environment is not a task for government agencies alone, but a shared duty for every citizen.

He introduced the idea of “Adopt a Tree”; an initiative that empowers each learner to take responsibility for nurturing at least one tree within their school compound. This, he explained, is a simple act that aligns perfectly with Kenya’s national target of planting and growing 15 billion trees by 2032.

The students listened attentively as the PS spoke about how small acts of care; watering, protecting, and watching a tree grow; can teach important life values such as patience, responsibility, and love for nature. His tone was both fatherly and encouraging, leaving many learners visibly inspired.

Linking Education to Environmental Action

In his remarks, PS Kimotho proposed the creation of tree orchards within schools. He described them as “living laboratories” where learners can connect theory to practice by observing nature’s cycles firsthand.

Such spaces, he explained, can enhance classroom lessons on biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable agriculture. Beyond learning, the orchards can also support food and nutrition security through fruit production, creating a direct link between environmental conservation and community well-being.

For Ngong Township Comprehensive School, this idea resonated deeply. The headteacher and teachers expressed enthusiasm about integrating tree planting and environmental care into the school’s regular activities. By doing so, they aim to make every learner not just academically empowered, but environmentally conscious.

Partnerships That Strengthen Environmental Goals

The Mazingira Day event also reflected the importance of partnerships between government institutions, schools, and communities. The State Department for Irrigation has continued to support environmental initiatives that complement Kenya’s water and land management programs.

Under the leadership of PS Kimotho, the department has worked closely with other government agencies and counties to promote catchment conservation, reforestation, and sustainable water use. These efforts are vital in addressing challenges such as soil erosion, declining water levels, and climate change.

Through events like Mazingira Day, the department is demonstrating that environmental stewardship begins at the community level; one school, one farm, and one household at a time.

A Nostalgic Yet Hopeful Return

For PS Ephantus Kimotho, returning to Ngong Township Comprehensive School was not only an official engagement but a deeply personal experience. Walking through the familiar corridors, meeting former teachers, and seeing how the school had grown over the years stirred fond memories.

He spoke of the importance of never forgetting where one’s journey began and using success as a platform to give back. His presence reminded both students and staff that education, when combined with integrity and determination, can open doors to national leadership and service.

The PS’s visit also rekindled pride among the school community. Seeing one of their own return as a national leader offered tangible proof that dreams nurtured within those walls can indeed come true.

The Broader Significance of Mazingira Day

Mazingira Day, which means “Environment Day” in Swahili, is more than an annual event. It represents Kenya’s collective effort to restore degraded ecosystems and promote sustainable development. Each year, the day provides an opportunity for citizens to take practical action;  from planting trees to cleaning rivers and creating awareness about waste management.

For Ngong Township Comprehensive School, this year’s celebration was special because it connected national environmental goals with local action. It was a reminder that meaningful change begins in small places;  in classrooms, playgrounds, and communities willing to take initiative.

A Shared Commitment to a Greener Future

As the event drew to a close, PS Kimotho expressed his gratitude to the school’s management, teachers, and learners for their hospitality and enthusiasm. He commended their efforts in making Mazingira Day 2025 a memorable success and encouraged them to continue nurturing the trees planted that day.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment through the State Department for Irrigation to support environmental conservation as part of its broader water and irrigation agenda. This includes promoting water harvesting, catchment protection, and sustainable land management; all key pillars in achieving Kenya’s long-term vision of climate resilience and food security.

The sight of hundreds of young trees freshly planted around the school symbolized more than environmental care; it was a statement of faith in the next generation. As students returned to their classes, they carried not only seedlings but also renewed hope and a sense of responsibility.

Planting Seeds of Change

The Mazingira Day celebrations at Ngong Township Comprehensive School reflected a perfect blend of nostalgia, purpose, and vision. For PS Ephantus Kimotho, it was a moment of homecoming and inspiration; an opportunity to give back to the institution that shaped him, while guiding the young minds that will shape tomorrow.

As he departed the school grounds, the newly planted trees stood tall and green under the afternoon sun; silent witnesses to a day that celebrated not only the environment but also the enduring bond between education, leadership, and national progress.

In the true spirit of Mazingira Day, the message from Ngong Township Comprehensive School was clear: protecting our planet begins with each of us, one seedling and one act of care at a time. 

Article by Victor Patience Oyuko. To buy Coffee: 0708 883 777