Plant a tree and I’ll show you a dream.  A dream of plentiful with abundance of clean air and healthy animals: Conserved biodiversity sustainably protected and cherished; just like our ancestors once lived. Reminisce, see and believe. What I’d give to wake up to such a world of fairness and certainty of my survival and my children’s survival.

But it doesn’t have to be a dream and all it begins with our actions today. Environmental Activism is not a part time job. Breaking it down an activist is basically an active citizen who is actively involved in the country’s development agenda.  The first step is being aware of what’s going around in the environment. No turning a blind eye to a dumpsite or dripping water from a tap or unnecessary usage of electricity.

In the race to save our planet, passivity is highly discouraged. What some may refer to as lunacy, we refer to as a necessity to conserve our environment and assure our future on earth.

Our goal in this magazine is to inspire as well challenge you to start being active on issues environment. The second and most important step is to take action no matter how small. If you think you are too small to make a difference in this world try sleeping with a mosquito inside a net.

Mazingira Challenge is a youth-based program in environmental activism which brings together students from higher learning institutions to raise awareness on problems in conservation and build a network of students to participate in environmental related issues and support innovations that enhance conservation efforts in Kenya.This program has been adopted by Kenya Forest Working Group (KFWG) which is a multi-stakeholder network organization whose membership comprises of individual, government and non-government organizations both locally and internationally. It covers wide range of environmental topics including Forestry, Wildlife, Wetlands, Water and Climate Change among other emerging issues. This initiative was started in 2009 and has run for 6 years. There are different categories of competitions that students are involved in which include; Essay, Poem, Art, Innovation, Public Speaking and Quiz Challenge. There are reward, certificates and trophy for the participant(s) in each category. The overall university to win the Quiz Challenge which is the main challenge is awarded a university trophy. The initiative seeks to draw attention to forest and related biodiversity conservation by the current generation of the youth, create awareness and mobilize people especially the youth to participate in forest oriented activities. The specific objectives of the Mazingira Challenge include; to promote environmental awareness and enhanced conservation efforts across institutions of higher learning through various events and competitions, to promote environmental innovations and talents by encouraging creativity in institutions of higher learning on environmental issues, to promote environmental conservation through rewarding institutions, clubs, individuals and groups who best observe and showcase their efforts to aid conservation and to mobilize and create awareness among individuals, communities, the United Nations system, civil society and private sector among other players to participate in the reforestation programs. Since the inception of this program mainly private organizations have been sponsoring the event and governmental and non-governmental organizations which have sound mind on environmental conservation. The University of Nairobi has participated annually since 2010 in the Mazingira Challenge through the club Chiromo Environmental Awareness Club (CEAC). In this year’s Mazingira Challenge, the University of Nairobi showed a towering performance after dominating in the six categories. This saw the university battling it out in the finals with Kenyatta University for the coveted trophy. After a battle of wits in the environmental conservation between the two giant universities, the University of Nairobi proved to be the best. Evans Abondo Dailash Lagat and Alma were the contestants for the quiz challenge. The great teamwork and hard work saw the contestants swiftly climb to the top position. It was an overwhelming moment amidst cheer and excitement as they gallantly walked to the podium to receive the Mazingira Challenge Trophy. The eloquent, smartly dressed Mr Joel Kinanga, later branded as “Archimendes” after his great speech, emerged the winner in the Public Speaking category after he spoke with conviction and persuasion encouraging all to embrace environmental conservation. UnelkerMaoga, won the essay category. Her face enlightened with joy and her heart filled with peace as she received her trophy for the best essay in all the ——– participating universities. She deserved it. Davis became position two in the poem category. His talent in poetry is of great importance as he appreciates nature in rhyming syllables. Michael Musyoka made a presentation about the importance of using media as a tool to communicate all the good and vices in the environment. His presentation which was in the innovation category became position three. Any of the poetic, essay and presentation work done by CEAC is available and can be accessed. CEAC has done it again for the year 2015 under the leadership of Martin Musyoka. He has been vigil and tenacious and it has been fruitful. Bravo to the team that rally behind him, all CEAC officials and members. Much appreciation to the associate members of the club for their continued support to the club. The administration has been unwavering towards providing an enabling environment for the club, much thanks to Prof.Aduda and your able members of staff. Our dear Patron Prof Nathan Gichuki and Dr. Sigana and all associate memebers of staff not herein mentioned, your words of encouragement has seen us through and the tap on the shoulder has gave the club hope to trudge on to make our environment a better place to live in.

Narrated By, Nyaga Fredrick Odhiambo, CEAC official.

simple words strong actions

In early 2015, members of the Chiromo Environmental Awareness Club placed our mark in history when we established our first ever Indigenous tree nursery. the launch was on 2nd October.

the cake

listening tentatively to the tree nursery presentation

the seedbed

outside the tree nursery

ribbon cutting

our director Prof. Ndegwa supports us

our Associate members

The World Environment Day is the United Nations principle vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the environment. The theme of this year was 7 billion dreams; one planet; consume with care. The goal was to galvanise people into doing something positive for the environment.
In Nairobi the day was celebrated by an event organised by the County government in collaboration with World vision Kenya and other partners.
University of Nairobi was represented by Chiromo Environmental Awareness Club (CEAC) and UON Students Geography Society
We as CEAC intend to align our actions for the environment with the theme which reminds us that we only have one planet and we should take good care of it. Advocating for a clean environment by encouraging use of bins and recycling: Taking action by participating in clean ups, planting trees and educating our young on the importance of conserving the environment
Let’s all remember our resources our wealth, yes we should exploit them but with care; embrace sustainable development for the sake of our future generations and for the survival of humankind.
Say yes to a green future!

It is finaly the last day of our Bake sale!!! Come have your piece of the cake!!! Hurry!!!

The CEAC display of talent in bake sale- Copy right Cynthia Otono 3rd year.

Make sure the Money is safe.

Making sure the custumers get the best

Makong sure every coin is collected from the sales

Serving the customers. (From left: Eva and Ben)