By Caroline Katana
Msambweni Technical and Vocational College (Msambweni TVC) Kwale county has taken bold steps in integrating environmental sustainability into education, emerging as a regional leader in the fight against climate change and marine pollution.
Through clean-up campaigns, tree planting drives, and awareness programs, the institution is shaping students into champions of the blue economy—a concept that emphasises the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ecosystem health.
Speaking during a large-scale beach clean-up activity at Mkunguni beach , Principal Maria Kimonyi reaffirmed the college’s commitment to nurturing both academic excellence and environmental responsibility.
She emphasized that environmental cleanliness, particularly along Kenya’s coastline, remains a top agenda for the institution.
“We want our students not only to excel in their studies but to become problem solvers and protectors of our planet,” Kimonyi said. “Marine conservation is essential to safeguarding sea life, boosting our tourism industry, and preparing young people for opportunities within the blue economy.” she said.
She further noted that hands-on learning opportunities, such as environmental campaigns, give students practical experience that extends beyond classroom walls.
“When students take part in clean-up activities or tree planting, they are building professional competencies. This exposure makes them more competitive when they enter the job market, because they will not just have theory, but also real-life skills in sustainability and community engagement,” She added.
A National Push for Greener TVETs
Msambweni TVC’s efforts are part of a broader national campaign spearheaded by the Ministry of Education through the State Department for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
The government has established a dedicated Greening and Climate Change unit that is rolling out environmental programs across vocational colleges.
One of the unit’s biggest targets is contributing to President William Ruto’s ambitious 15 billion tree campaign by 2032, a project that aims to restore degraded landscapes and increase Kenya’s forest cover to 30 percent.
This year alone, the TVET sector has pledged to plant five million trees, underscoring the education sector’s role in driving climate resilience.
During the Msambweni beach clean-up, Gibson Ngumi, the Regional Coordinator for the Greening and Climate Change Unit in the Coast and North-Eastern regions, hailed the campaign as a milestone in sustainable development.
“This initiative is more than cleaning beaches. It is about conserving marine ecosystems, boosting the blue economy, and contributing to Kenya’s long-term growth. Every tree we plant and every piece of waste we remove from our shores is an investment in our future,” said Ngumi.
Going Beyond the Campus
In addition to its coastal clean-ups, Msambweni TVC has also been active within the local community. The college has planted more than 1,000 tree seedlings within its grounds and surrounding areas. Once the seedlings mature, they are distributed to community members to encourage tree planting at the household level.
The school has also organised regular clean-up campaigns at local markets in Msambweni town, tackling waste in public spaces where traders and residents converge daily.
According to Principal Kimonyi, this outreach demonstrates the college’s commitment to community service and instills in students the value of collective responsibility.
“We are not only protecting our campus or the ocean,” she said. “We are showing that environmental care begins at home—in our markets, in our schools, and in every corner of our community.”
Students Take the Lead
For many Msambweni TVC students, environmental campaigns have become a personal journey of growth and responsibility.
Amos Kely Waema, a student at the college, shared his reflections after participating in the Mkunguni beach clean-up.
“Before joining Msambweni TVC, I did not fully understand how waste along our beaches affects marine life and the fishing industry,” Amos said. “Being part of this clean-up has opened my eyes. It has taught me that as young people, we cannot wait for government alone—we must also play our part in protecting the environment.”
He added that taking part in conservation work has given him transferable skills, including leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.
“These activities prepare us for real life. I now feel ready to not only work in industries related to the blue economy but also to lead projects that empower communities to live sustainably,” he explained.
Another student, Esther Barasa, echoed his sentiments, highlighting how environmental activities are shaping her worldview.
“For me, the clean-up was not just about collecting plastic bottles or nets from the shore. It was about understanding the bigger picture—how our daily habits can destroy or preserve marine life,” Esther said.
She added that the exercise had instilled in her a sense of duty to inspire others.
“I want to be part of a generation that values the ocean, because it provides us with food, jobs, and even climate stability. If we neglect it, we will have no future. That is why I feel proud to have taken part in this initiative, and I hope more young people join such activities,” she concluded.
Why the Blue Economy Matters
Kenya’s coastline stretches over 600 kilometers, supporting thousands of livelihoods through fishing, marine transport, aquaculture, and tourism.
The blue economy has been identified as a key driver of the nation’s Vision 2030 blueprint, which seeks to transform Kenya into a newly industrialising, middle-income country.
However, pollution, overfishing, and climate change threaten the sustainability of these resources.
Plastic waste in particular has emerged as a major hazard.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), an estimated 13 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the world’s oceans every year, disrupting ecosystems and threatening both marine and human life.
Local clean-up initiatives such as the one led by Msambweni TVC are therefore crucial in addressing this global crisis at a community level.
Planting Seeds for the Future
The Msambweni campaign is part of a growing recognition within Kenya’s education sector that technical institutions can play a transformative role in environmental stewardship.
By combining vocational training with sustainability projects, colleges like Msambweni TVC are equipping learners with skills that align with national and global priorities.
As Principal Kimonyi put it:
“Our vision is to produce graduates who are not only technically skilled but also environmentally conscious. These young people will be the innovators and leaders of tomorrow’s economy.”
For students like Amos and Esther, the lessons go beyond theory. They are discovering that protecting the environment is not just a subject, it is a calling, one that will shape their careers, their communities, and the nation at large.
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