MMUST Hosts Official Launch of ‘NextGen for Earth’, a Youth-Led Initiative for Environmental Conservation and Climate Change Action

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has hosted the official launch of ‘NextGen for Earth’, an initiative focused on empowering the youth to engage actively in environmental conservation and climate change action. The launch, which took place on Wednesday, 11^th June, 2025, attracted schools within Kakamega County, religious leaders, MMUST staff and students, as well as international partners, who joined virtually. It was steered by the Founder of NextGen for Earth, Prof. Adelaide Lusambili, and was graced by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega, Rt. Rev. Joseph Obanyi Sagwe.

“The Catholic Church in Kenya and the entire globe takes great importance in protecting the planet and therefore it gives me pleasure to be part of this launch. The Church has taken climate action around the world, planting millions of trees as a sign of healing and stewardship. We must go further, not just planting trees, but sowing seeds of responsibility and renewal in our hearts. That is what we call ecological conversion,” said Bishop Sagwe in his address during the launch. The Bishop further stated that his Diocese has been partnering with key stakeholders, including MMUST, the County Government of Kakamega, the national Government and international organizations to promote environmental conservation and the care of the earth. He added, “the role of young people in protecting our environment is very essential and it makes me very happy to see the youth take part in such events.”

Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kakamega, Rt. Rev. Joseph Obanyi Sagwe, addresses participants at the launch.

In his speech, Prof. Hussein Golicha, who was representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, acknowledged that NextGen for Earth is a powerful platform, assuring Prof. Lusambili that MMUST is ready to work with her organization. “As a University, we are confident that this initiative will empower the youth to lead in their communities, develop evidence-based solutions and influence environmental policy across scales. We are committed to supporting such efforts, particularly through research, collaboration and by nurturing our students to become problem-solvers and leaders,” remarked Prof. Golicha.

“This is truly a defining moment for me as it is something that I have always wanted to do. NextGen was established from the need to have a movement of young people in Africa championing environmental conservation, and I am thrilled to see what started as a dream come to fruition. I am passionate about having the voices of the youth amplified in decision-making processes, specifically on matters of climate change,” stated Prof. Lusambili. Notably, the internationally recognized scientific researcher and educator was accompanied by family, friends and colleagues, showing her support on the big day.

The Founder and Director of NextGen for Earth, Prof. Adelaide Lusambili, speaks at the event.

Prof. Stanley Omuterema, who was standing in for the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation)-Prof. Peter Bukhala, pointed out that all the 11 Schools in MMUST have elements of research and innovation, reiterating that the University is capable of taking NextGen for Earth to the next level. “The whole world should know that Africa is taking actions to mitigate climate change and is now bringing the youth on board to drive this agenda,” asserted Prof. Omuterema, an Associate Professor of Applied Environmental Science at MMUST’s School of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance (SDMHA).

The Dean School of Engineering and Built Environment (SEBE), also a champion of sustainable Engineering-Prof. Eng. Bernadette Sabuni, challenged the current generation to take action for the sake of the future. Similarly, the Dean of Students-Dr. Bernadette Abwao noted that this initiative will go a long way in helping generations to come, adding that the University supports green energy and is dedicated to empowering young people on the same. The Deputy Dean of Students, Rev. Fr. Dr. Kizito Muchanga, who played a critical role in organizing the launch, affirmed that NextGen for Earth is the solution as far as climate change action is concerned.

Rev. Fr. Dr. Kizito Muchanga at the launch.

The launch was preceded by a tree growing exercise in MMUST, Lukhobero Primary and Secondary schools, St. Elizabeth Hospital Mukumu, Sacred Heart Mukumu Girls’ High School, Mukumu Comprehensive Primary, St. Francis Muraka Primary and Secondary schools, Maraba Primary and junior schools, and St. Anne Junior School Lubao. The exercise, spearheaded by the Coordinator-MMUST Greening Initiative Unit, Dr. Edward Mugalavai, saw the planting of 1,200 different indigenous tree species, most of which have medicinal values in addition to other ecological benefits associated with them.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha, plants a tree during the NextGen for Earth launch day.

Certainly, the event marked a significant milestone in empowering the youth to take an active role in addressing pressing environmental challenges. Through this initiative, young people will have an opportunity to drive impactful community-based solutions, promote sustainable practices, and raise awareness about the impact of climate change.