A youth from Kitui County has concluded a 100-hour tree-hugging challenge, a public protest designed to pressure the county government into sponsoring at least 100 young people to acquire technical skills in TVET institutions.
Martin Mulwa from Kitui East was witnessed by hundreds of local spectators as he completed his lengthy vigil. He aimed to secure opportunities for his peers in vocational colleges across the county. Following the physically demanding protest, a weary Mulwa was taken to Kitui Level IV Hospital for medical attention.
The protest has drawn an official response. Richard John Mwendandu, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Energy, Environment, Forestry, Natural and Mineral Resources, commended Mulwa’s environmental advocacy.
“The gesture of hugging trees is a great show of love for the environment, hence everyone should be ready to take care of the environment through planting and protecting trees,” Mwendandu said.
More critically, Kennedy Munyambu Mwendwa, Chief Officer for Polytechnics, Vocational and Homecraft Centres, stated that the county government is committed to realizing Mulwa’s core demand. “The county government of Kitui was committed to ensuring that Martin Mulwa’s dream is realized and so far the county government has been paying exam fees for the youths in vocational training centres,” Mwendwa affirmed.