Four New Classrooms, One Greener Future: Kionyweni Primary School Reaps Big from GIC
For years, pupils at Kionyweni Primary School in Matuu, Machakos County, walked into classrooms that reflected the realities of learning in many semi-arid communities—unplastered walls, dusty earth floors and deteriorating structures that posed daily safety and health risks.
Today, those same classrooms tell a different story. Four newly renovated learning spaces now stand as a testament to how environmental stewardship, community participation and corporate sustainability can transform lives far beyond the school gates.
The transformation is the latest milestone under KenGen Foundation’s Schools’ Green Initiative Challenge (GIC), the organization’s flagship tree growing competition that links climate action with education and community development among schools.
Having emerged second in Phase VII of the GIC competition, Kionyweni Primary School earned a comprehensive classroom renovation package comprising new roofing, flooring, wall plastering, windows and doors, courtesy of KenGen PLC through its corporate social responsibility arm, the KenGen Foundation. The project reinforces that investments in safer schools create healthier learners, stronger communities and future environmental champions.
“Our learners can now study in a safe, clean and dignified environment that inspires confidence and improves concentration,” said Head Teacher Mr. Paul Nthenge.
“Before the renovation, the condition of our classrooms presented genuine safety concerns for both pupils and teachers. The unplastered walls and dusty earth floors exposed learners to respiratory health risks while creating an unconducive learning atmosphere. Today, these classrooms represent hope for our children and reaffirm that our efforts in environmental conservation have been recognised. We are deeply grateful to KenGen PLC and the KenGen Foundation for believing in our school and investing in the future of our learners.”
The impact extends well beyond four refurbished classrooms. Kionyweni’s success reflects years of dedication to nurturing indigenous trees under the Schools’ Green Initiative Challenge, where pupils have become ambassadors of climate action by caring for woodlots and promoting environmental stewardship within their communities.
Since its inception in 2013, the programme has engaged more than 900 schools, achieving an average tree survival rate of 63 per cent while embedding environmental responsibility into education across Kenya’s semi-arid counties.
During the classroom upgrade, the local community provided all the labour required, ensuring that the investment generated immediate economic opportunities alongside long-term educational benefits.
Today, the school continues to enjoy the rewards of its commitment to tree growing, demonstrating how environmental conservation can unlock safer learning spaces, healthier school environments and stronger community resilience. The project stands as a powerful example of KenGen PLC’s enduring commitment to sustainability, climate action and inclusive development.
KenGen Foundation Managing Trustee Anthony Igecha said the classroom transformation reflects the Foundation’s broader vision of investing in people by investing in the environment. “GIC continues to demonstrate that climate action and quality education go hand in hand. Every tree planted, every classroom improved and every learner empowered brings us closer to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 on Quality Education and Sustainable Development Goal 13 on Climate Action.
These learners are not only beneficiaries of today’s investment; they are the environmental leaders who will shape tomorrow’s Kenya. As we continue expanding the programme, we invite you as our partner to join us in building greener schools, stronger communities and a more sustainable future for generations to come.”
