Three young Kenyans, i.e. Alex Mativo, Peris Bosire and Susan Mueni Waita, have been announced as the Kenyan recipients of the Queen’s Young Leaders Award. They are among 60 young people from across the Commonwealth who were being recognised as exceptional leaders in their community.
The Award, which will be presented in London by Queen Elizabeth to the young leaders in 2016, celebrates young people who are intent on making a difference in their communities.
Alex Mativo – 21
Alex is the founder of E-lab, a start-up that aims to reduce electronic waste in Africa by making art, fashion and other innovative products out of it. The organisation also promotes a culture of safe and responsible e-waste disposal.
Peris Bosire – 24
Peris co-founded FarmDrive which aims to bridge the funding gap between farmers and financial institutions. Using technology on simple mobile phones, it keeps records and builds credit profiles for farmers. Farmers now have access to reliable, digital, financial services and they are able to save some of their earnings. Over 800 farmers are using the platform and 3,000 more are due to start in the next six months.
Susan Mueni Waita – 21
Susan volunteers as the field coordinator for the girls’ programme of an NGO called Caroline for Kibera. She coordinates and monitors its activities including organising team building and training ‘safe space’ leaders who speak to girls about sexual and reproductive health. She has become a role model to girls in her community and aims to reach and educate as many girls as she possibly can.