First Lady Mama Rachel unveils environmental award for learners

First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto has unveiled an environmental award for learners.

She invited learners to take part in the 2024 First Lady's Mazingira Awards (FLAMA) competition which is currently ongoing.

This year's theme is 'Restore our Land, Secure our Future' (Turejeshe Ardhi Yetu, Tuhakikishe Mustakabali Wetu).

Mama Rachel said the theme underscores the critical need for land restoration, combating desertification and strengthening drought resilience in Kenya to ensure a sustainable future.

"We invite learners to delve into the realm of ecosystem restoration, climate action, and sustainable practices in their submissions," she said.

"We look forward to seeing creativity shine through in art, essays, and spoken word pieces that offer practical ideas for a greener, more resilient future," she added.

The First Lady said the best submissions will be selected as winners and celebrated for their impactful contributions.

The office of the First Lady is participating in government’s National Tree Growing Restoration Campaign to plant and grow 15 billion trees by 2032.

The target is for various stakeholders and partners including schools and learners to plant 500 million trees by 2032.

The award aims to nurture and empower learners as agents of change for environmental conservation and climate action and promote an environment-centred entrepreneurship culture among learners.

Through the award, learners will positively contribute to the National Restoration Campaign's goal to plant 15 billion trees by 2032.