By Virginia Siebella
Learners in Machakos County marked World Environment Day with a practical environmental action, stepping beyond classroom learning to lead a clean-up exercise at Kyumbi Market.
Pupils from Mountain View School conducted the exercise at Kyumbi Market, located along the busy Nairobi–Mombasa Highway corridor. Equipped with brooms and litter bags, the learners swept through the market, collected waste, and engaged traders and residents on the importance of maintaining a clean environment.
Grade Five learners underscored personal responsibility in waste management, noting that lasting change depends on proper disposal habits among individuals. They described the market as a shared living space where many people eat and interact daily, stressing the need to keep it clean, safe, and hygienic.
Other pupils raised concerns over pollution, emphasizing that protecting the environment is key to ensuring clean air and sustainable living conditions for present and future generations.
Mountain View School Director Dr. Hellen Musyoka said the initiative was motivated by the condition of the nearby market. She noted that such public spaces should be treated with the same care as homes, adding that poor sanitation increases the risk of diseases such as cholera. She further observed that the activity aligns with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which promotes experiential learning and community engagement.
Parents also took part in the exercise, with John Muthusu welcoming the initiative, saying it offered a valuable opportunity to witness learners apply classroom knowledge in real-life situations.
This year’s World Environment Day theme, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” calls for urgent climate action and highlights the role of ecosystems in strengthening resilience against climate change. The learners’ initiative reflected this global message, demonstrating how small, local actions can contribute to broader environmental protection efforts.
