Arise Media 
BY RITA MUTHONI
As climate change triggers prolonged droughts across Kenya, residents of Mwea Sub-county have been hard hit.
Rivers like Thiba experience reduced water flow, and inconsistent rainfall affects crop yields.
In response, local youth have turned to football to raise awareness and drive community action against climate change.
On Sunday, the Mwea Medium Group, a community-based organization (CBO), launched the “MWEMA Green Cup” tournament, bringing together 16 teams from Karaba and Mwea.
The event attracted nearly 1,000 spectators, blending football with environmental conservation efforts, including tree planting and educational campaigns.
Peter Mbithi Mutuku, secretary of the Mwea Medium Group, said the initiative aimed to use football’s popularity to promote climate action.
“Football has always been a unifying force for the people of Mwea. We have successfully used it to raise awareness on issues like drug abuse, and now we are focusing on climate change,” he said.
The tournament’s grand finale awarded winners a trophy, branded jerseys, and footballs, symbolizing their commitment to environmental stewardship.
The event also saw participation from local leaders who educated the public on water conservation, reforestation, and sustainable farming practices.
Embu County Forest Officer Lucy Wangari Njeru emphasized the importance of nurturing the planted trees to maturity.
“We urge the community to care for the trees planted today as part of our long-term fight against climate change,” she said.
The Mwea youth plan to expand the Green Cup, aiming to involve more teams and schools and implement community-wide tree planting.
The initiative has garnered attention from organizations like Bloomberg Philanthropies, which expressed interest in future collaborations and received support from the county government.
“This is just the beginning. We hope to inspire more people to take action against the drought and climate crisis,” said Mutuku.
With climate change threatening communities across Kenya, initiatives like the Green Cup showcase how unity, awareness, and local action can be powerful tools in the fight against environmental challenges.
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