The winners of the highly anticipated creative writing competition organized by Asharami Synergy Kenya Limited, a Sahara Group Company, were unveiled during an awards ceremony held at KCA University, Nairobi. Let’s delve into the highlights of this exciting event:
Winners:
- Joint Winners: Hope Nabalayo and Ariel Major, both students of the University of Nairobi (UoN), claimed the top spot.
- Third Place: Cheryl Omolo of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
- Fourth Place: Julius Musya Kilonzo of Baraton University
- Fifth Place: Nelson Gichuki of Kisii University
Competition Overview:
- The 2023 competition aimed to engage university students in Kenya in climate action, energy transition discourse, and sustainability.
- Participants submitted 225 entries, including essays, poems, and plays, on the theme “Creating a Sustainable Path for Africa’s Energy Transition.”
Judges’ Perspective:
- The winning entries stood out for their creativity, originality, and ability to convey compelling messages on Africa’s energy transition and sustainability.
Organizers’ Statements:
- Ejiro Gray, Director at Sahara Group Foundation, expressed satisfaction with the mission accomplished, emphasizing the importance of involving Kenyan youth in climate change conversations.
- Prof Vincent Onywera, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Outreach at KCA University, commended Sahara Group and Asharami Synergy Kenya for fostering inclusive engagement on climate change.
- Lavinah Gonah, Operations Supervisor at Asharami Synergy Kenya, highlighted their tree-planting initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
Winners’ Reactions:
- Hope Nabalayo expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to sustainable solutions and emphasized the role of youth in environmental matters.
- Ariel Major viewed the competition as a significant step toward achieving a clean Kenya and Africa, particularly in promoting clean energy and environmental sustainability.
Prizes:
- The top five winners received cash prizes, plaques, and certificates for their outstanding performance.
- Joint winners received $500 each, while the third, fourth, and fifth place winners received $250, $150, and $100, respectively.
The creative writing contest not only showcased the talent and creativity of Kenyan students but also underscored their commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges. Through initiatives like this, organizations like Sahara Group are empowering the next generation to become active participants in the journey towards a sustainable future.