Environmentalists from the Coast region gathered to celebrate the regeneration of 10 acres of land in Kilifi County.
Dubbed the “Future of Festivals,” the Kivukoni Festival attracted 1,300 environmentalists, marking the culmination of over 14 years of successful land restoration under the custodianship of Kivukoni School.
A total of 850 indigenous trees, donated by the Little Environmental Action Foundation and the Kivukoni Indigenous Tree Nursery, were distributed to attendees to plant in their communities.
The festival united Kenya’s environmental movement and local Coastal Region communities in a celebration of nature through dance, music, art, storytelling, workshops, films, adventure, crafts, and cultural activities.
Climate activist and founder of the Green Generation Initiative, Elizabeth Wathuti, described the festival as a beacon of environmental success and a model for eco-friendly celebrations.
“This festival is pure magic and fun. It showcases the community’s impact and passion for achieving a sustainable, clean, and green environment,” said Wathuti.
She highlighted Kivukoni School’s unique positioning along the rich waters of Takaungu Creek and its mangrove forests, which are also home to the Wangari Maathai Indigenous Forest. The school boasts a reed bed water recycling system, a permaculture shamba, an eco-hub, and a whole-school environmental curriculum.
“Every student learns about their local ecosystem, fostering appreciation for the natural world and empowering them to become fulfilled, happy, and effective environmental change-makers,” added Wathuti.
David Obura, founder of CORDIO East Africa, praised the festival’s emphasis on sustainability.
“The Kivukoni Eco Festival is an inspiring showcase of ideas, projects, and initiatives that demonstrate the potential for sustainability, justice, and inclusion today,” he said.
The festivals gained substantial sponsors from NCBA, DTB and Equity, The Mawazo Institute, Green Heart of Kenya, Grove and Meadow, Superior Homes, Distant Relatives and Eco Lodge.
Over 60 leading Kenyan environmental businesses such as Flip Flopi, Leo Sky Africa, Seedling Designs, SOKO Kenya, and Manda Bees, and attendees attended in support of the initiatives.
