27 quotes found
"UNEP Young Champion of the Earth (2025) - Recognized by the United Nations Environment Programme for innovative climate solutions"
"Obama Foundation Leader (2023) - Selected as an emerging leader in Africa"
"HyaPak Innovation - Pioneered biodegradable plastics from water hyacinth, transforming an environmental liability into sustainable packaging"
"Green Jobs Creator - Established training programs and employment opportunities in the green economy for Kenyan youth"
"Circular Economy Advocate - Developed scalable models for waste-to-value systems across East Africa"
"Joseph Nguthiru is transforming invasive water hyacinth into biodegradable packaging, demonstrating how innovation can simultaneously address environmental and socioeconomic challenges."
"A leader committed to empowering communities through climate action and sustainable entrepreneurship."
"One of Kenya's green heroes, turning environmental problems into opportunities for community empowerment."
"We hope that we can create a solution right here in Kenya that can be replicated across the world and simultaneously create ripple benefits for other countries faced by similar problems."
"Plastics. We can't live with them, can't live without them… it's a tough relationship. That's the challenge HyaPak is taking on."
"Turning environmental liabilities into livelihoods—that's the heart of innovation. Every challenge is an opportunity to empower communities."
"Service to environment and community is a calling—one I do wholeheartedly."
"We have the solutions to our African problems."
"Collaboration is everything. The answers and solutions to our problems lie in the people next to us. The only difference between stagnation and progress is our willingness to collaborate."
"If you're bringing value to the table, anyone will listen to you. Competency is critical—young people must be empowered to present themselves and pitch their ideas, not just do the research."
"Youth empowerment is more than a passion—it's a lever for lifting communities out of poverty."
"African entrepreneurs thrive when communities grow more resilient, and ecosystems are restored... Let's empower youth for climate action."
"If you start talking about climate change, your average viewer will only think about planting trees, but there is so much more. Let's learn new models, apply technology, and reimagine what's possible."
"You cannot employ people without skills, so you train people on green economy skills and then take them up."
"We asked for growth, so life gave discomfort. We begged for success, so it demanded we sacrifice. Can't have one without the other."
"Mountains reveal our strength, and the view reminds us the journey matters."
"Sustainability is not just about protecting the environment but transforming livelihoods and building a future where opportunities are created for all."
"Just seeing livelihoods change, especially from the small economic ventures that are being set up [with] the money initially spent on kerosene ... it's the best thing we can ever do for these communities."
"I can talk and talk forever, I am just so excited now. I really feel encouraged, and I will wake up with more energy to do more."
"Most children in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa need to work during the day, leaving only the night time for studying. Families without electricity can spend up to 60% of household income on paraffin or kerosene in rural villages of sub-Saharan Africa. Both kerosene and paraffin have adverse effects on health, weakening eyesight when used as a light source and irritating lungs."
"Better foreign policy can only be achieved through more integration."
"Barriers to movement of people and goods need to be removed more. Fair foreign policy should be applied across every country. A focused and selfless leadership is required to achieve this. Visionary leadership that cares for its people is critical."