On Friday, 23rd May 2025, KEPSA Foundation established an orchard at Mutira Girls High School in Kirinyaga County by supporting the planting of 100 fruit trees, including avocado, apple, and jackfruit varieties. This was held during the school’s annual Education Day, which was graced by the Secretary to the Cabinet, Hon. Dr. Mercy Wanjau.
Hon Dr. Wanjau emphasised the importance of establishing orchards in schools and planted a jackfruit tree, the largest fruit tree in the world, to mark the occasion. Dr. Wanjau commended KEPSA Foundation for its valuable contribution to the school’s development and its positive impact on both nutrition and the school’s economic empowerment.
Hon. Dr. Wanjau further underscored the importance of educating the girl child, describing it as a fundamental pillar for community development. She encouraged the students by emphasizing that through education, individuals from all walks of life are able to access the same opportunities. She further assured Kenyans of the government’s commitment to eradicate the shame faced by girls from deprived families during menstruation periods by providing sanitary towels to school-going girls and keeping them in schools throughout the learning sessions. She asserted that it was part of a global commitment that Kenya made, and in support of the empowerment of the girl child, the government of Kenya does provide support for sanitary towels within the Republic in order to address and bridge the issue of period poverty.
In her remarks, KEPSA Foundation Executive Director, Ms. Gloria Ndekei, expressed her appreciation for the invitation to be part of the significant celebration. In her remarks, she highlighted the ongoing Kijani Initiative, describing it as a sustainable program aimed at strengthening food systems, increasing tree cover, thus supporting the Government’s 15 billion Tree Growing Initiative, promoting economic empowerment within schools, and instilling a culture of environmental responsibility among students.
She also outlined the key criteria for selecting beneficiary schools for the Kijani Program, including potential for sustainability, community and school support, availability of adequate water, and the presence of a dedicated Champion. She noted that 10 schools have benefited from the program so far and affirmed Hon. Dr. Wanjau as the Champion for the Mutira Girls’ School Orchard.
Other dignitaries present included the Area Member of Parliament, Hon. Gitari Joseph Gachoki; Deputy County Commissioner; County Director of Education, Lydia Mutegi; TSC County Director, Catherine Lenairoshi Students, parents and other stakeholders.
The KEPSA Foundation team was led by Executive Director, Ms. Gloria Ndekei, accompanied by Ms. Caroline Kawira, Socio-Economic and Community Outreach Manager, and Ms. Sheila Muramba.
