Government Backs Student Clean-Up Campaign on Campus - Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

*The JKUSA Chairperson, Mr. Issa participating in the cleanup exercise.*

The Jomo Kenyatta University Students Association (JKUSA) in a powerful demonstration of youth leadership and civic responsibility, organized a university-wide cleanup exercise that saw massive participation from both students and the wider university and Juja community.

*Mr. Njoroge Mbitu collecting litter during the exercise*

The event, held on Friday 18, July 2025, also drew the attention and involvement of representatives from both the county and national governments who took part in cleaning within and outside JKUAT.

The initiative dubbed “Green Campus, Clean Future,” aimed not only at promoting environmental sustainability but also waste management awareness, and community engagement. Student leaders took the lead in coordinating logistics, mobilizing volunteers, and collaborating with university departments to ensure the success of the event.

On his opening remarks, Mr. Patrick Kigathi who represented the Dean of students commended the student leaders commitment and thanked the county and national government representatives for standing in solidarity with the young leaders noting that such collaborations are key in nurturing responsible, community-minded graduates who are ready to serve the nation.

“This clean-up initiative is a clear demonstration of the power of student leadership in driving positive change within our institution and beyond. Our students have taken it upon themselves to not only keep their learning environment clean, but also to champion environmental consciousness within the larger community,” said Mr. Kigathi.

Speaking during the event, JKUSA Chairperson Mr. Peace Love Issa said that the clean-up day was not only about cleaning the physical environment but

also about instilling a sense of responsibility and unity between the students and the community.

“We are proud to demonstrate that students can be at the forefront of positive change. This clean-up symbolizes our commitment to a cleaner, safer and

*JKUSA Academic Secretary Mr. Victor Isiolo (left) collecting litter with Hon. David Kuria from the County Government of Kiambu*

more sustainable campus and surrounding community,” said Love.

He added that the initiative speaks to the heart of community service and our role as students in promoting peaceful coexistence with the host community.

The Director Environment Waste Management and Pollution Control from the Ministry of Environment Climate Change and Forestry, Mr. Njoroge Mbitu commended the students for setting a great example. He further noted that the ministry support grassroots environmental actions and such student-led initiatives aligned to Kenya’s long-term climate goals. The Ministry also pledged to support the university in future campaigns.

“Today, we celebrate not just the environment, but the growing movement of young people who are taking leadership in protecting it,” said Mr. Mbitu. “I am proud to see a generation of university students that are not only educated but also environmentally conscious, proactive and visionary,” he added.

Addressing the waste management challenge effectively, the official added, will help citizens enjoy their constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment; help in advancing the circular economy, propel the country to the realization of the nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and achievement of the Bottom-Up-Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

While lauding the student leadership for their proactive role, the County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Environment and Climate Change, Kiambu County Hon. David Kuria who was also the Chief Guest at the event said that the initiative was a strong statement about youth taking charge of the environment and the county government is glad and ready to support such actions through partnerships with institutions to drive similar efforts across the county.

*Mr. Patrick Kigathi (right) and Mr. Elisha Nakali (middle) from the Dean of students office together with Mr. Njoroge Mbitu participating in the clean up exercise.*

“What we are witnessing today is commendable, young people taking the lead in caring for their environment. As a county government, we are proud to support such student-led initiatives that contribute not only to a cleaner town but also to a more responsible society,” said Hon. Kuria.

“This collaboration between the students and local authorities is a true example of active citizenship. We encourage other institutions and communities in Kiambu County to emulate this effort and join hands in keeping our spaces clean, green, and safe,” he added.

The event kicked off early in the morning with teams dispatched to various zones including university hostels, Juja town’s main road, nearby markets, and riverbanks. Participants were equipped with gloves, trash bags, and tools provided in collaboration with local environmental agencies.

This event not only enhanced cleanliness but also strengthened the bond between the university and surrounding communities, thereby serving as a strong reminder that youth, when empowered and supported, can lead impactful change.

The exercise was sponsored by various stakeholders among them, Ruiru Water and Sewage Company (RUWASCO), Red bull Kenya, Global Peace Foundation, Rotary International, Green Change Initiative, Eco-Matt Supermarket, Kredo Kiosk, Naki Guru Space, Job Family, Jobless Corner Juja and the Boda Boda Juja Association.