In a united demonstration of civic duty and faith-driven leadership, the Free Pentecostal Fellowship in Kenya (FPFK) Resilience Program, in partnership with government officials, launched a major environmental sensitization and cleanup campaign at Kipsitet Market in Soin sub-county on Friday.
The initiative aimed to raise community awareness on environmental conservation and climate change, while also reinforcing peacebuilding efforts in the region.
Bishop John Kitur, the General Secretary of FPFK, led the community cleanup exercise, which involved sweeping, garbage collection, and public education on proper waste disposal. He described Kipsitet as a rapidly growing market strategically located between Eldoret and Kisumu, and emphasized the urgent need for environmental responsibility.
“We are here to sensitize this community on environmental matters. Kipsitet is a growing market, and we felt it was necessary—both as the Church and government—to show the importance of keeping our surroundings clean,” said Bishop Kitur.
The event also marked six years of FPFK’s Resilience Program, which has spearheaded climate action, agricultural empowerment, and tree planting in Soin and Nyakach sub-counties.
“We’ve empowered communities in Soin and Nyakach on agriculture and reforestation. Today is a continuation of that journey,” Bishop Kitur added.
Beyond environmental advocacy, the church has also played a pivotal role in restoring peace along the volatile Kericho-Kisumu border. According to Bishop Kitur, Sondu once a flashpoint for ethnic conflict, is now enjoying stability following a peace agreement between the two county governments.
“Sondu used to be a hotspot, but last year, we brokered a peace deal between the counties. The communities are now united and working together,” he said.
Soin Deputy County Commissioner Robert Kimosop praised FPFK’s enduring contribution and revealed that the government is rolling out a climate action program modeled after the Kazi Mtaani initiative. The project will focus on clearing drainage systems, planting trees, and maintaining public hygiene, offering youths in Cohorts One and Two a daily wage of Ksh 500.
“We’re here to join hands with FPFK on environmental matters. This time, there’ll be no ‘pesa kwa wazee, kazi kwa vijana’ politics. Payment will be based on real work done,” said Kimosop.
Bishop Clement Otieno, NCCK Kisumu County Chair, commended FPFK for extending humanitarian aid to flood-hit areas such as Ombaka, Ombei, and Nyakach, while simultaneously advancing peace and conservation goals.
“This is more than just cleaning the environment. The FPFK Resilience Program has spoken the community’s language and walked with them. It has truly been transformative,” he stated.
As climate awareness deepens and peace returns to former hotspots like Sondu, Friday’s exercise stands as a powerful symbol of grassroots collaboration proof that partnerships between faith-based institutions and the government can drive sustainable change from the bottom up.
