Kitui County on Friday night witnessed a rare moment of youth advocacy and leadership engagement as Mutha Ward MCA Hon. Dominic Mwamisi Isumael became the first elected MCA in Kitui County to visit tree-hugging activist Martin Mulwa.
Mulwa is attempting a 100-hour tree-hugging challenge to raise awareness for youth empowerment and vocational training opportunities in the county.
Mulwa, from the neighbouring Voo Kyamatu Ward, aims to mobilize support to ensure at least 500 Kitui youths are enrolled in vocational institutions this year. His unique campaign links environmental activism with social development, attracting attention across the county.
As of Friday at 6:00 PM, Mulwa had completed 28 hours hugging a tree at a spot adjacent to Our Lady of Africa Kitui Cathedral, directly opposite the Kitui County Assembly, where MCAs conduct official business. The challenge began on Thursday 15th at 2:00 PM and is projected to end Monday 19th at 10:30 AM, though Mulwa has expressed confidence he will surpass his 100-hour target.
“I am full of energy and determination. I feel strong and motivated to go even beyond the 100 hours I projected,” Mulwa said while speaking to journalists.
Hon. Mwamisi’s arrival at the tree-hugging site was met with applause from locals and youth supporters, marking the first time an MCA has physically engaged with Mulwa’s campaign. The Mutha Ward MCA commended Mulwa’s efforts and emphasized the need for priority youth engagement by the Kitui County Public Service Board, especially regarding recently advertised employment and training opportunities.
“Youth must not be spectators in their own county. It is time for the County Public Service Board to prioritize their empowerment and development,” Hon. Mwamisi said.
Tree-hugging campaigns have become a symbolic tool for youth activism in Kenya, highlighting issues from environmental conservation to employment and governance. While similar initiatives have occurred in Nairobi, Murang’a, and the Rift Valley, Mulwa’s campaign is notable for combining environmental symbolism with actionable youth development goals in Kitui County.
As Mulwa continues his tree-hugging challenge, attention is now turning to whether other Kitui leaders will follow MCA Mwamisi’s example and publicly support youth-led initiatives.
