Jun

Thrilling Mombasa Trip for GIC Phase III Winners.

#KenGenCSI, Education, Environment Projects, Newsletter

The rare chance to sit in the chair of Captain Harriet Kadzo Ngoka of the Mombasa ferry was the highlight of the educational tour of Wikithuki Primary School, winners of GIC Phase III tree-planting competition, on 18-21 June.

Led by the Foundation’s Dorcas Arama, Ernest Nyamasyo and Esther Kamaara, the 30 students arrived in Mombasa on day one of their educational tour by SGR. It was the first time for some to ride the train and visit the city. It was also the first time for others to hear of, or even meet a lady ferry captain!

The students were accompanied by their Head Teacher Mr. Jacob Nguli, the Green Teacher Mr. Paul Mwangangi, and Susan Mwandikwa. Ms. Diana Muithya from Kwa Wanzilu Secondary School and Mr. Mbugi Njue of Rugogwe Secondary School were also present representing the best green teachers from Machakos and Embu counties respectively.

READ MORE: Wikithuki Primary Wins in Phase III of Tree planting Competition.

The visit to the ferry’s cockpit was earlier preceded by a tour of KenGen’s Kipevu III 120MW Power Station. After a short briefing by Eng. Samuel Oloo, acting station chief, the visitors explored East Africa’s largest diesel power plant, led by Chief Security Officer Rtd. Major Abdulahi Mumin.

Next stop was Haller Park, a rehabilitated quarry where GIC project partner Bamburi Cement Ltd. used to manufacture cement from limestone. The park, an exemplary case of sustainable environmental management, hosts a variety of flora and fauna including the rare Rothschild giraffe and a family of 30 crocodiles. Later on during the feeding session, the students got to witness the savagery of these wild reptiles!

A chilly morning did not dampen the group’s spirit as they toured Fort Jesus the following day.

The Portuguese built the massive structure, currently hosting several varieties of antique canons, in the 16th century to protect Mombasa from outside invaders. According to the tour guide, Omani Arabs managed to eventually ransack the fort and replace the Europeans. Since then, it has changed hands severally through the years, and is now under the Kenya National Museum’s custody.

ALSO READ: Olkaria Tour and Camping for GIC III Runners Up

Joining the tour, much to the excitement of the GIC III winners, was the Foundation’s Managing Trustee, Anthony Igecha. He congratulated the students on their accomplishment in the afforestation competition, and urged them to continue planting trees, while also encouraging the community to do the same as a way of improving their environment.

Wikithuki Primary School was crowned winner of Phase III of the Schools Green Initiative Challenge after recording the highest survival rates of trees. This was after two years competing against 98 other schools in the semi arid counties of Embu, Machakos and Kitui. The competition involves the planting and nurturing of Senna siammea and Melkia volkensii seedlings in school woodlots.

The KenGen Foundation implements the GIC afforestation project in a partnership that includes KenGen PLC, Bamburi Cement Ltd. and Better Globe Forestry. It aims to green over 500 acres with trees to benefit the schools’ environments while benefiting the surrounding community. Currently in Phase V with 100 new schools, the project has so far involved over 600 schools and planted over 150, 000 tree seedlings.

ALSO READ: Puppet Shows for Phase V of Tree planting Competition

The GIC directly contributes to mitigating the effects of climate change, targeting communities around KenGen’s power installations. The project incorporates four Sustainable Development Goals of Quality Education, Clean Water & Sanitation, Climate Action, and Partnerships.

An impromptu ride on the Mombasa ferry was a rare treat. The tour group experienced first hand how the massive vessel in control by engaging with Captain Ngoka in the cockpit.

Capping off two days of wonder and fascination, the students gleefully jumped into the Indian Ocean on their last afternoon at the coast. The screams and shrieks from their excitement signified the ultimate pay off in their efforts to contribute in greening the country, an experience forever to be etched in their minds.