Kenya winners to receive Young Leadership Award from Her Majesty The Queen

It is today announced that three young people from Kenya are among 60 young people from across the Commonwealth who are being recognised as exceptional leaders in their community. These 60 young people will receive a prestigious Queen’s Young Leaders Award.

The Award, which will be presented in London by Her Majesty The Queen in 2016, and is part of The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme, celebrates the achievements of young people who are taking the lead to transform the lives of others and make a lasting difference in their communities.  

This year’s Award winners, aged between 18 and 29 and who come from all over the Commonwealth, are working to support others, raise awareness and inspire change on a variety of different issues including; education, climate change, gender equality, mental health and disability equality.

21 year old Alex Mativo from Nairobi has been selected in recognition of for his environmental work. 24 year old Peris Bosire from Nairobi has been acknowledged for bridging the funding gap between farmers and financial institutions. 21 year old Susan Mueni Waita, also from Nairobi is being recognised as a role model to the girls in her community.

Alex Mativo said: “I am so honoured to be part of the Queen’s Young Leaders programme. Having witnessed the problems that toxic pollutants from electronic waste caused in my community, I decided to do something about it. I founded E-lab, a start-up that aims to reduce electronic waste in Africa by making art, fashion and other innovative products out of it. We also promotes a culture of safe and responsible e-waste disposal.”

The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme was established in 2014 by The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust in partnership with Comic Relief and the Royal Commonwealth Society in recognition of The Queen’s lifetime of service to the Commonwealth. Over the next three years the Programme will support thousands of young people to achieve their goals.

Dr Astrid Bonfield, Chief Executive of The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust said: “Once again 60 incredible young people from around the Commonwealth have shown strength, leadership, empathy and drive. Some of our winners are just embarking on their leadership journey and others are more established. Either way, we recognise not only what these amazing young people have achieved, but also their potential in changing people’s lives for the better in the countries and communities in which they live.”