It was a vibrant and impactful Saturday in Uasin Gishu County, as youths led a once-in-a-lifetime clean-up exercise under the guidance of the Chief Officer for Environment, Energy, and Natural Resources, Mr. Mark Some. Chief Officer for Youth and Sports, Victorine Kapkiai, and Ms. Divina Salim, who oversees Solid Waste Management, joined him.

The initiative marked a significant step toward environmental sustainability, with youth taking the lead in conserving and protecting their surroundings.

The clean-up campaign, which kicked off in Kapsoya and Ziwa, has now moved into Eldoret City and is expected to expand rapidly to other towns across the county.

Beginning at the Eldoret Central Business District and continuing to the Arboretum, the campaign also sparked important conversations around environmental conservation. Key topics included proper usage of the Arboretum, tree adoption initiatives, and learning from Rwanda’s example as the cleanest city in East Africa.

“We are on the right track in fulfilling Nguzo Number 7 of the Governor’s blueprint—ensuring a clean, safe, and healthy environment for all,” said Mr. Some. “As a county government, we will continue to support such programs and remain focused on empowering youth-led activities. We want to follow Rwanda’s example and make Eldoret the cleanest city in East Africa.”

The day wasn’t just about cleaning; it was also about empowerment. After the clean-up, youths gathered at the Arboretum for team-building activities aimed at cultivating proactive mindsets and encouraging engagement in productive, life-enhancing initiatives.

Chief Officer Victorine Kapkiai expressed her pride in the youth, saying, “Our Governor is deeply committed to youth empowerment and fostering collaborations that inspire mindset change. Beyond sports, young people should also engage in agriculture and other sectors that contribute to personal and community growth.”

The County Government reaffirmed its commitment to youth-focused programs that build leadership and instil values of responsibility and innovation. Through such initiatives, the youth are being prepared to become change-makers and stewards of a better, greener future