The Eldoret National Polytechnic (TENP) joined the rest of the world in marking the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI), under the 2025 theme “Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age.”
The institution’s Cabinet Secretary for Health and Environment, Juliet Mokiera, emphasized that the polytechnic is fully committed to embracing this year’s theme and aligning its programs with global efforts.
“It affirms our role and commitment as an institution that not only trains professionals but also nurtures informed citizens who can actively contribute to solving societal challenges,” Mokiera told Kenya Coastal News.
Digital Advocacy for Sustainability
Mokiera noted that Eldoret’s fast-growing urban environment demands new approaches to tackling climate change and sustainable resource management. She stressed the importance of using digital platforms to spearhead environmental advocacy and awareness.
According to her, TENP has prioritized access to accurate and timely information through digital tools and encourages innovation and partnerships under its open-door policy.
Students as Agents of Change
The students’ role, Mokiera highlighted, remains central to the institution’s strategy.
“We recognize the role that our students play, and they are the powerful change agency in this digital era. They use social media to raise awareness, mobilize action, and challenge harmful practices,” she said.
Mokiera added that such student-led initiatives are helping to translate environmental knowledge into practical, community-based solutions.
Building Digital Literacy
To strengthen this impact, TENP has integrated digital literacy into its training programs. The polytechnic has participated in various innovation competitions, including recent events in Nakuru, and continues to support active student groups such as the Environmental Club, Innovation Career Club, and the ICT-focused Jitume Lab.
These initiatives have expanded access to information while also empowering learners to create and share solutions that address urgent environmental issues.
A Step Toward Sustainable Futures
By embracing digital platforms and fostering innovation, TENP is positioning its students not only as beneficiaries of knowledge but also as key drivers of change. The celebration of IDUAI, Mokiera concluded, reinforces the institution’s mission to cultivate professionals who combine technical skills with environmental consciousness—crucial in building a sustainable future.
Background on IDUAI
The International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI), proclaimed by UNESCO in 2015 and adopted by the UN in 2019, is observed annually on September 28. It promotes the fundamental right of every person to seek, receive, and share information. The day underscores the role of access to information in advancing democracy, transparency, sustainable development, and inclusive societies across the globe.
