‘ Hatutupi Mawe, Tunasafisha’ whose direct translation is, ‘We are not throwing stones. We are Cleaning Up.’ This was the thunderous shout by students dancing and singing about cleaning their environment as they carried their brooms and other cleaning materials. Ululations from the ladies. A vibrant student leader leading his team on. A very different scene from what Kenyans are used to of students throwing stones as they claim their rights. This event however was different. It was a chilly drizzly Morning on Saturday 29th October 2011 and about 500 students from Moi University had gathered to mark their annual Environment Day.
At the centre of the event was Migdad Hussein, a 3rd Moi University Student leader who was the link between the university and PACJA.
PACJA Sponsors Moi University Environment Day
PACJA through The Trans African Caravan of Hope supported this event which sort to carry on Prof Wangari Maathai’s legacy. On that day, the students cleaned around the city of Nairobi and planted trees at the Jevanjee gardens. This garden is open to the public and is based in the Central Business District of Nairobi, Kenya. The Late Prof Wangari Maathai was known for fighting for fighting for the preservation of spaces like this. It’s no wonder the students and their faculty wanted to get involved in this event.
Student Leader Leads Students in Support of the Caravan
Karanja Mukora, Secretary General, Moi University Students Organization was instrumental to the success of the day’s activity. “ Thank you”, he said as students urged him on, “thank you for getting involved when l requested you to.” As he gave his appreciation speech he urged his fellow students to continue caring for the environment and to remember the legacy Prof Wangari Maathai left Kenyans and the world at large.
Moi University Faculty Appreciation to PACJA
Prof Kiplagat, who is the dean of the Nairobi Campus, Moi University expressed his appreciation to PACJA for involving youth in an event like this. “It is encouraging to see that the youth are involved in events where they partner with organizations dealing with issues like climate change.” Adding that, the event had taught the youth more about climate change, importance of tree planting and caring for their environment. He also said that fresh ideas were required to deal with the issue of climate change.
Migdad says that this event will see Africa come together for one common cause. ‘ As Africa, l like that we are telling the African story.’
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