Meet Kenya’s 11-Year-Old Climate Champion: A Young Hero Receives Prestigious Global Award!

Eleven-year-old Alice Wanjiru has made waves on the world stage by winning first place at the 2025 International Young Eco-Hero Awards. Her dedication to environmental conservation shines through in actions like cleaning the Ruai Sewer Line in Nairobi.

Among 467 global contenders, Alice stood out as the only Kenyan. Her work includes leading clean-up projects in her community and educating other children about protecting the environment. Inspired by the late Wangari Maathai, Alice has planted over 2,000 trees near the Ruai Sewer Treatment Plant. This not only helps reduce air pollution but also raises awareness among families in Nairobi’s Eastlands.

At the awards ceremony in San Francisco, Beryl Kay, President of Action For Nature, highlighted Alice’s impact. She said, “Alice is proof that the fight for our environment knows no age limits.” Her words reflect a growing trend among young people who actively engage in climate action.

Bishop Margaret Wanjiru, Chair of the Nairobi River Commission, called Alice “a beacon of hope” for both rivers and future generations. Similarly, Anthony Gitonga, International Commissioner of the Kenya Scouts Association, remarked on how Alice and her peers are not just waiting for change; they are creating it now.

The Action For Nature Awards, held annually, recognize youth aged 8–16 who develop innovative solutions to pressing environmental issues. Since the awards began, over 360 young eco-leaders from 40 countries have been celebrated. This year, Alice’s journey doesn’t stop here. She aims to break a Guinness World Record by planting 1.1 million trees.

Statistics show that youth-led initiatives are gaining traction globally. In recent surveys, 70% of young people expressed concern about climate change, indicating a collective desire for change. Alice Wanjiru embodies this spirit, proving that age is just a number when it comes to making a difference.

For more about the young changemakers, visit Action For Nature.

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Climate,Young Eco-Hero Awards, Alice Wanjiru