Kenya's Alice Wanjiru Wins 2025 International Young Eco-Hero Award

NAIROBI, Sept 15 (NNN-KBC) - Eleven-year-old Alice Wanjiru has put Kenya on the global environmental map after winning first place in the 2025 International Young Eco-Hero Awards for her project rehabilitating the Ruai Sewer Line.

Alice's initiative, the only Kenyan project to win this year out of 467 global entries, has seen her plant more than 2,000 trees around the Ruai Sewer Treatment Plant.

The effort, inspired by the late Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai, has helped reduce air pollution and curb respiratory illnesses affecting families in Nairobi's Eastlands.

Her journey is far from over. Alice's next quest is to attempt a Guinness World Record by planting 1.1 million trees, a goal she hopes will further transform Nairobi's environment and inspire young people across the globe.

Speaking during the Action For Nature Eco-Hero Awards Dinner, Bishop Margaret Wanjiru, Chairperson of the Nairobi River Commission, hailed Alice's dedication.

“Alice's work is a beacon of hope for our rivers, our children, and our climate future. We will stand with her to ensure her dream for a cleaner, greener Nairobi becomes a reality,” said Bishop Wanjiru.

Also in attendance was Anthony Gitonga, International Commissioner of the Kenya Scouts Association, who emphasised the role of youth in environmental stewardship:

“Alice's courage shows that young people are not waiting for the future, they are shaping it now. The Scouts Movement will continue to champion initiatives like hers that combine leadership, action, and community impact,” said Gitonga.

The awards, hosted annually by Action For Nature in San Francisco, celebrate youth between ages 8-16 who lead innovative solutions to global environmental challenges. Since its inception, over 360 young Eco-Heroes from 40 countries have been honored.

“Alice is proof that the fight for our environment knows no age limits,” said Beryl Kay, President of Action For Nature.“Youth like her are showing us how to take action, dream big, and change the world.” - NNN-KBC

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