CEMASTEA Champions Environmental Stewardship and STEM Learning on Mazingira Day

By Dan Orero 

In a vibrant celebration of Mazingira Day, the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA), under the leadership of CEO Mrs. Jacinta L. Akatsa, joined hands with schools in Kakamega County on Friday, October 10, 2025 to promote environmental stewardship and STEM education. The event aligned with the national theme: “Citizen-Centric Tree Growing and Environmental Stewardship", which calls on Kenyans to return to their former primary schools and plant fruit trees as a symbol of environmental responsibility and community care. 

The CEMASTEA C.E.O Mrs. Jacinta L. Akatsa, H.S.C - led a transformative initiative distributing tree seedlings for environmental restoration and donating science kits & mathematics models to ignite STEM learning at Iluya Primary & Junior School during the Mazingira Day celebrations in Kakamega County. 

This year, the Government of Kenya set an ambitious target to plant 71 million fruit tree seedlings across 35,570 public and private primary schools nationwide, with each school expected to plant a minimum of 2,000 fruit trees. The initiative is part of the broader 15 billion tree campaign aimed at restoring ecosystems, improving food security and achieving 30% national tree cover by 2032. 

CEMASTEA’s team visited Makunga, Maraba, Shikomari and Iluya Primary & Junior Schools where they donated and helped plant fruit trees, contributing directly to the national goal. The organization also went a step further by donating science kits and mathematical models, designed to make learning more interactive and practical. These resources are expected to enhance the teaching and understanding of STEM subjects, empowering both learners and teachers. 

 The CEMASTEA C.E.O Mrs. Jacinta L. Akatsa, H.S.C - led a transformative initiative distributing tree seedlings for environmental restoration and donating science kits & mathematics models to ignite STEM learning at Makunga Primary & Junior School during the Mazingira Day celebrations in Kakamega County.

Mrs. Akatsa emphasized the importance of integrating environmental education with science and mathematics, stating, "We are not just planting trees; we are planting ideas, curiosity and a sense of responsibility in our children. These fruit trees will nourish them physically, while the STEM kits will nourish their minds.” 

Teachers received guidance on how to incorporate the donated kits into their lesson plans, fostering a hands-on learning experience. 

The CEMASTEA C.E.O Mrs. Jacinta L. Akatsa, H.S.C - led a transformative initiative distributing tree seedlings for environmental restoration and donating science kits & mathematics models to ignite STEM learning at Maraba Primary & Junior School during the Mazingira Day celebrations in Kakamega County. 

The Mazingira Day initiative, backed by the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Education, was designed to be a grassroot movement. It encouraged alumni, communities and institutions to take ownership of environmental restoration. The rallying call, #TurudiPrimoTukadonateFruitTrees has resonated across the country, turning schools into hubs of climate action and sustainability. 

The CEMASTEA C.E.O Mrs. Jacinta L. Akatsa, H.S.C - led a transformative initiative distributing tree seedlings for environmental restoration and donating science kits & mathematics models to ignite STEM learning at Shikomari Primary & Junior School during the Mazingira Day celebrations in Kakamega County. 

As Kenya marches toward its goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032, efforts like those of CEMASTEA serve as a powerful reminder that education and environmental action must go hand in hand. Today’s learners are tomorrow’s stewards—and thanks to initiatives like this, they’re already growing into that role.