Education Kenya Project #60236

Support education & conservation with ecobursaries

by A Rocha Kenya

Support education & conservation with ecobursaries

Project Report | Mar 31, 2026
Nurturing through nature

By Patrick Chogo Kilumo | Assets Programme Coordinator

parents getting a lecture during Boardwalk tour

Introduction

The first term of 2026 has marked a period of significant progress and transformation for the scholarship programme, characterized by growth, expansion, and deepened impact. Key milestones—including the transition of the first Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) cohort to senior secondary school, the onboarding of new partner schools, and a record intake of beneficiaries—highlight the programme’s continued commitment to broadening access to education. Alongside these developments, strengthened community engagement initiatives such as the Muvera wa ASSETS visit to the Mida Boardwalk and ongoing beneficiary support activities have reinforced the vital link between education, conservation, and community participation.

Scholarship Programme Overview – Term One, 2026

The first term of 2026 has been a significant and dynamic period for the scholarship programme, marked by major transitions and notable growth. This year represents a critical milestone, as it is the first time the initial cohort under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) has successfully transitioned to senior secondary school. Additionally, the programme expanded its reach with the inclusion of three new partner schools, each enrolling their first group of beneficiaries.

A record 113 new students qualified to join the programme within a single intake, reflecting both increased access and the growing impact of the initiative. This surge in enrolment has contributed to the highest number of beneficiaries supported in a single term to date.

To facilitate this expansion, a total of KES 2.2 million was disbursed in school fees during the first term, supporting 170 students across 97 schools nationwide. This marks the first instance in which the programme has funded such a large number of students simultaneously, underscoring both the scale and ambition of the initiative.

Overall, 2026 stands out as a particularly transformative and ambitious year for the scholarship programme. The combination of curriculum transition, programme expansion, and increased financial commitment highlights a strong trajectory of growth and a deepening commitment to educational access and equity.

Muvera wa ASSETS Explore the Mida Boardwalk

The year began on a high note as members of Muvera wa ASSETS—a group of parents whose children are current or former beneficiaries of the Arabuko-Sokoke Schools and Eco-Tourism Scheme (ASSETS)—visited the Mida Boardwalk for an immersive learning experience.

More than just a tour, the visit provided both new and returning parents with a deeper understanding of the direct link between eco-tourism and their children’s education. It created a valuable opportunity for parents to witness firsthand how conservation-driven initiatives generate sustainable support for the programme, while also inspiring them to take a more active role in environmental stewardship.

Muvera wa ASSETS, meaning “Gratitude to ASSETS,” serves as a platform for continued parental engagement beyond scholarship support. Through the initiative, members gain knowledge on sustainable livelihoods, participate in ecosystem restoration activities, and contribute meaningfully to community-led eco-tourism efforts.

Experiencing the boardwalk in action strengthened parents’ appreciation of its dual role in conserving natural ecosystems and financing education. It also reinforced their identity as key custodians of the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest and Mida Creek, fostering a shared sense of responsibility for preserving these vital landscapes for future generations.

Appreciation to Supporters

We extend our sincere gratitude to all supporters who generously contributed to the recently concluded “Little by Little” GlobalGiving campaign. Your invaluable support comes at a critical time, as the number of beneficiaries continues to grow this year.

The funds raised will play a significant role in strengthening and expanding the programme’s activities, enabling us to reach more beneficiaries and enhance the overall impact of our work. Your commitment and partnership are deeply appreciated and remain vital to our continued success.

Beneficiary Meetings and Orientation

With the close of the 2026 first academic term approaching, preparations are underway to convene beneficiary meetings. These sessions will serve a dual purpose, addressing the needs of both newly enrolled and continuing beneficiaries.

For new beneficiaries, the meetings will provide a comprehensive orientation to the programme, offering essential insights into its objectives, structure, and expectations. This will ensure that they are well-equipped to engage fully and benefit from the opportunities provided.

For continuing beneficiaries, the meetings will act as a regular platform for updates, reflection, and engagement. They will also reinforce the importance of sustained environmental stewardship, encouraging beneficiaries to remain committed to conservation efforts within their communities.

Overall, these meetings are a key component in strengthening programme cohesion, enhancing understanding, and fostering a shared sense of responsibility among all beneficiaries.

Conclusion

Overall, the achievements of the first term underscore a strong trajectory of growth and sustainability for the programme. Increased investment in scholarships, active involvement of parents and beneficiaries, and the generous support of partners and donors have collectively contributed to its success. As the programme continues to expand, these efforts will remain essential in ensuring that more students access quality education while fostering a shared responsibility for environmental conservation and long-term community development.

Boardwalk tour

students after their fees are paid

Bursary payment

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Dec 2, 2025
Nurturing Tomorrow's Eco-Leaders Through Conservation Education

By Patrick Chogo Kilumo | Assets Programme Coordinator

Students participating during assets camps

Executive Summary – A Rocha Kenya 2025

A Rocha Kenya continues to advance its mission of linking education with environmental conservation through the ASSETS Programme and related initiatives around Arabuko Sokoke Forest (ASF). In 2025, the organization achieved significant milestones across bursary support, conservation education, student engagement, community empowerment, and ecological restoration.

1. Bursary Payments

In 2025, a total of $11,640 was disbursed to support 138 students (77 male, 59 female) across 97 secondary schools in Kenya. These bursaries ensured continued school attendance and academic progress, while also serving as an incentive for parents to remain actively engaged in environmental conservation. This year, 38 students successfully sat for their final examinations, marking a significant milestone as they graduated from the programme.

2. Conservation Education in Schools

For over 20 years, A Rocha Kenya’s Environmental Conservation Programme has been a cornerstone of awareness-building around Arabuko Sokoke Forest (ASF). In 2025, the team engaged 10 schools, conducting 52 visits that reached 3,315 students (1,324 male, 1,991 female).

Key topics covered included:

Types of pollinators
Ways of conserving pollinators
How to create a pollinator garden
Importance of pollinators
Challenges facing pollinators
Conservation through pollinator gardens

This initiative continues to instill ecological knowledge and practical conservation skills among young learners.

3. Holiday Programme – ASSETS Camp

During the December holidays, a special camp brought together 95 students (42 female, 53 male). Led by the ASSETS team with support from local administration and conservation experts, the camp provided opportunities for mentorship, peer connection, and hands-on conservation activities such as tree planting, birdwatching, and nature walks at the Gedi UNESCO World Heritage Site

Objectives achieved:

Supported access to education for students near ASF, Gedi UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Mida Creek.
Strengthened conservation awareness and skills through practical engagement.
Fostered personal growth and peer networks via reflection and mentorship sessions.
Inspired future environmental stewards by linking education with conservation of Kenya’s coastal ecosystems.

4. Tree Nursery Project

The tree nursery project continues to thrive, with nine nurseries currently operational and hosting approximately 22,483 seedlings. Managed by parents of eco-bursary beneficiaries, the nurseries provide seedlings that will be distributed during the long rains for home planting. This initiative not only contributes to ecosystem restoration but also offers families additional livelihood opportunities.

5. Muvera wa Assets Delegates Meeting

For the first time, officials of Muvera wa Assets—an association of beneficiary parents—convened to deliberate on strategies for forest care and eco-tourism opportunities. The meeting strengthened community ownership of conservation efforts, while exploring sustainable funding options for the eco-bursary scheme.

Conclusion

In 2025, A Rocha Kenya’s integrated approach through the ASSETS Programme demonstrated the powerful link between education, conservation, and community empowerment. The bursary scheme enabled 138 students to remain in school, with 38 successfully completing their final examinations, while simultaneously motivating parents to stay engaged in environmental stewardship.

Learning about tree nursery

Students during Conservation Education session

Students team building

Bird ringing session with students during the camp

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Aug 6, 2025
Nurturing Tomorrow's Eco-Leaders Through Conservation Education

By Patrick Chogo | Assets Programme Coordinator

Students during tree planting

Executive Summary

The second term of 2025 has been marked by significant progress in our conservation education initiatives. Highlights include the successful disbursement of bursary funds, expansion of conservation education beyond the classroom, active community participation in tree planting and nursery projects, and impactful environmental education programs focused on pollinators. These activities not only support students academically but also foster a culture of conservation among young learners and their families.

1. Bursary Payments

A total of $5,275 was disbursed to support 71 students (39 male, 32 female) across 49 secondary schools in Kenya. The bursaries ensured continued school attendance for these students, contributing to their academic progress. Moreover, the support serves as an incentive for parents to remain engaged in environmental conservation activities, linking educational support with community involvement in sustainability.

2. Tree Nursery Project

The tree nursery initiative continues to thrive with active involvement from both students and parents. Currently, nine nurseries are operational, collectively hosting approximately 5,000 seedlings. These nurseries are co-managed by eco-bursary beneficiary families and Wildlife Clubs of Kenya (WCK) students, fostering early engagement in conservation practices. The nurseries serve as educational tools and will also supply seedlings for planting in schools and households—promoting environmental restoration and potential income generation.

3. Tree Planting Events

Taking advantage of the long rain season, tree planting events were organized in various schools and homesteads. A total of 6,000 trees—including both indigenous and exotic species—were planted.

Indigenous trees will contribute to ecosystem restoration and biodiversity.
Exotic species, valued for their fast growth and economic return, will provide wood and other resources to communities in the near future.

4. Conservation Education in Schools

A Rocha Kenya's Environmental Conservation Program, operational for over 20 years around Arabuko Sokoke Forest (ASF), continues to create a lasting impact. In Term 2 of 2025:

The education team conducted three visits each to 13 schools around ASF.
A total of 1,461 students were engaged (246 male & 381 female in the first visit, 62 male & 125 female in the second, and 290 male & 357 female in the third).

This term’s theme, "Pollinators," introduced students to the vital role of pollinators in maintaining healthy ecosystems. To deepen this understanding, 64 students and 16 WCK patrons participated in an educational trip to the Kipepeo Project, where they learned about butterfly farming and pollinator importance. Following the visit, students were encouraged to establish pollinator gardens at home and in their schools.

5. Holiday Programme

With schools closed for the August holidays, a special programme was held to reflect on the term’s activities and plan for the final term of the year. Focus areas included:

Conservation Education: Students learned about the characteristics and benefits of indigenous vs. exotic trees, including selection criteria and ecological significance.
Mentorship & Career Guidance: Sessions allowed students to share academic struggles, explore career interests, and receive guidance on how to improve performance and maintain academic balance.

Conclusion

This term has seen remarkable strides in nurturing environmentally conscious future leaders. The integration of bursary support with conservation education and community involvement is proving to be a powerful model. As we prepare for the third term, we aim to build on these achievements—further strengthening the bond between education and environmental stewardship.

Learning at Kipepeo project

Thriving tree nursery

Students with their pollinator garden

students during mentorship

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