•From left: Head Corporate Communications, Sahara Group, Bethel Obioma, fifth-place winner from Kisii University, Nelson Gichuki, Operations Supervisor, Asharami Synergy Kenya Limited, Lavinah Gonah, Third-place winner from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Cheryl Omolo, Director, Sahara Group Foundation, Ejiro Gray, Joint Winners from University of Nairobi, Ariel Major and Hope Nabalayo and fourth-place winner from University of Barato, Julius Musya Kilonzo, at the awards ceremony of the Asharami Synergy Kenya Creative Writing Competition at KCA University, Nairobi, Kenya
In a celebration of youthful creativity and environmental stewardship, Asharami Synergy Kenya Limited, a Sahara Group Company, recently crowned Hope Nabalayo and Ariel Major, both students at the University of Nairobi, as joint winners of its esteemed creative writing competition. The awards ceremony, held at KCA University in Nairobi, Kenya, marked a pivotal moment in the journey towards engaging young minds in climate action and sustainability.
The initiative, dubbed the ‘Asharami Synergy Creative Writing Competition,’ was launched in collaboration with the Sahara Group Foundation in 2023, with a vision to galvanize youth participation in addressing pressing environmental challenges, particularly within the realms of climate change, energy transition discourse, and sustainability. Drawing an impressive array of 225 submissions from university students across Kenya, the competition solicited essays, poems, and plays centred on “creating a sustainable path for Africa’s energy transition.”
Hope Nabalayo and Ariel Major emerged triumphant for their exemplary entries, lauded for their creativity, originality, and profound messaging that resonated with the urgency of the climate crisis. Their narratives not only captivated the judges but also sparked a dialogue aimed at mobilizing young Kenyans towards embracing a sustainable future.
Expressing satisfaction with the outcome, Ejiro Gray, Director of the Sahara Group Foundation, emphasized the pivotal role of youth in shaping the discourse on climate action and energy transition. “Mission accomplished,” he remarked, underscoring the foundation’s commitment to nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious leaders poised to steer Africa towards a sustainable future.
The significance of inclusive engagement was underscored by Prof. Vincent Onywera, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Innovation, and Outreach at KCA University, who hailed the competition as a catalyst for instilling environmental consciousness among the youth. “We must catch them young,” he affirmed, emphasizing the imperative of empowering youth as agents of change in combating climate change.
Lavinah Gonah, Operations Supervisor at Asharami Synergy Kenya, expressed delight at the competition’s success and reiterated the company’s dedication to collaborative efforts aimed at advancing Kenya’s role in driving a just energy transition for Africa. As a testament to their commitment, Asharami Synergy Kenya, in partnership with the Sahara Group Foundation and Treedom, has initiated a tree-planting campaign, with 1100 trees already planted to mitigate carbon emissions.
The elation of the winners was palpable, as Hope Nabalayo expressed gratitude for the platform to amplify her voice as a creative writer and advocate for environmental sustainability. Ariel Major echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the competition as a milestone in advancing climate justice and fostering a cleaner, greener Africa.
Cheryl Omolo, Julius Musya Kilonzo, and Nelson Gichuki, who secured the third, fourth, and fifth positions respectively, also voiced their commitment to continue championing sustainability initiatives on various platforms, underscoring the enduring impact of the competition in nurturing a culture of environmental stewardship among Kenyan youth.
In recognition of their outstanding contributions, the top five winners were awarded cash prizes, plaques, and certificates, with joint winners Hope Nabalayo and Ariel Major each receiving $500. Moreover, select entries will be published on the competition’s dedicated portal and other platforms, amplifying the voices of emerging writers and thought leaders in the realm of sustainability.
As Asharami Synergy Kenya Limited continues to spearhead efforts towards promoting access to reliable and clean energy solutions, the resounding success of the creative writing competition serves as a testament to the power of youth creativity and collaboration in driving meaningful change towards a more sustainable future.