Koelel Forces Academy has been named the winner of the KCB WRC Green Debate, a schools’ debate competition held alongside the sustainability activities of the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally, according to a statement shared by the organisers.

The finals brought together schools that advanced through knockout rounds held in Nairobi and Nakuru, with students debating sustainability topics including corporate governance, clean energy, sustainable finance and social responsibility.

Murang’a High School finished as first runners-up, while Utumishi Boys Academy placed third.

The winners received cash awards totalling KES 180,000. Koelel Forces Academy received KES 90,000, Murang’a High School received KES 60,000, and Utumishi Boys Academy received KES 30,000, the statement said. The prize money will be used by the schools’ debate clubs to support sustainability initiatives within their institutions. The schools also received trophies and KCB-branded merchandise, while all participating students were awarded certificates.

The debate series engaged schools from Nairobi and Nakuru regions and aimed to provide students with a platform to discuss environmental and social issues affecting their communities. Organisers said the debates focused on practical ideas around climate action, conservation and responsible leadership.

Zacharia Njeru, KCB Naivasha Branch Manager, said the debate programme ties into the lender’s broader sustainability positioning.

“At KCB, sustainability is embedded in our strategy. We are investing in green financing, supporting clean energy solutions and advancing sustainable finance. However, policies and financing alone are not enough. We also need innovative ideas and young leaders who are ready to champion sustainable development,” Njeru said.

The Green Debate was organised with support from Debate Circle and KenGen, which partnered with KCB to engage students and encourage discussions on environmental responsibility and sustainable development, according to the statement.

For Kenya’s business landscape, initiatives that connect financial institutions, state-linked utilities and education programmes reflect a growing emphasis on sustainability literacy as climate-related risks increasingly shape investment decisions, financing terms and corporate governance expectations. By linking the programme to the WRC Safari Rally calendar, the organisers also anchored sustainability messaging to a high-profile event that attracts local and international attention, offering an avenue for corporate and community engagement.

Going forward, the organisers are expected to continue leveraging the schools’ debate club networks to implement the planned sustainability projects funded by the awards, while KCB and its partners expand community-facing sustainability initiatives linked to major national events.