The Green Education Hub was launched on Wednesday, May 11th, 2022, at Kenyatta University, main campus
‘Strengthening University climate action’
Kenyatta University Green Education Hub was launched on 11th May 2022. The Green Education Hub is an outcome of a project, Transforming Universities for a Changing Climate (Climate-U) that is funded by UKRI and is implemented in 20 countries in 5 continents. The project was implemented through a participatory action research process that involved diverse stakeholders in each of the participating universities. The PARG were tasked to design and implement appropriate intervention to support universities climate action. The launch was attended by Climate-U researchers, students, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) representatives, government officials and community members and Kenyatta University primary school scouts.
The University’s acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research Innovation and Outreach (RIO), Prof. Vincent Onywera representing the Vice Chancellor graced the event. The event included a ceremonial tree-planting session during which a number of indigenous tree species were planted. The Participatory Action Research Group (PARG), climate ambassadors, and primary school scouts graced the tree-planting occasion. The presence of varied stakeholders during the tree planting session indicates a joint effort to enhance environmental conservation.
In his address, Prof. Onywera admitted that universities in Kenya must realign their efforts to the goal of Vision 2030 in addressing climate change. The Vision 2030 blueprint aims to invoke sustainable development in Kenya by raising living standards and providing all citizens with a clean and healthy environment. He noted that Kenyatta University’s philosophy is sensitivity and responsiveness to societal needs and the right of every person to knowledge and information. Prof. Onywera emphasized that the Division of Research remains committed to ensuring that the research conducted at the university provides practical solutions to societal challenges
Climate-U principal investigator, Prof. Tristan McCowan, on the other hand noted that the climate crisis is a complex challenge that no single intervention, group of people, country, or institution can help solve. He advised that higher education institutions must engage their adjacent communities to devise grassroots initiatives and innovations that can address their localised challenges.
Mr. Nanjakululu, the Deputy Director of University Education, noted that Kenya boasts several policies, action plans and strategies that support environmental conservation and efforts to address climate change. He was elated that the Hub’s launch brought together the young, middle and old generations. The deputy director reiterated that the participation of all generations in climate action promotes the principle of international equity that calls for passing over a healthy environment to the future generation.
Students clubs and societies present also presented on diverse matters, including arts, wildlife, tree planting, waste management, language and culture as some of the activities that would support climate action. Representatives from civil society expressed satisfaction with Hub’s efforts to contribute to the transformation of universities to take climate action.
Kenyatta University PARG appreciated the collaboration and support from partner universities in the project, government agencies, communities and students in establishing the Green Education Hub.