NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Police Service (NPS) has heaped praises on a police officer for his concerted efforts in spearheading environmental advocacy amid the devastating effects of climate change.
NPS singled out Police Constable (PC) Julius Mwenda, saying he is one of many police officers who have seized the opportunity of driving meaningful change by leveraging the access and reach that police officers have to members of the community in all segments of society.
Mwenda has turned a passion for cycling into a platform for advocacy for environmental conservation through the adoption of sustainable practices to minimise negative impacts on the planet.
In a statement, NPS disclosed that Mwenda’s journey toward environmental stewardship began at Athwana High School, where he was elected patron of the environmental club.
This was the perfect platform to encourage his fellow students to take personal responsibility to protect the environment by initiating projects such as school gardening and recycling drives, which integrated sustainability into their daily routines.
After high school, Mwenda’s love for cycling, which began over 15 years ago, only deepened, leading him to establish KingsMind Cycling Foundation, a community of cycling enthusiasts united by a pursuit of fitness.
“What started as a recreational pursuit eventually evolved into a critical medium for his advocacy. Recognising the power of collective action, he rallied his fellow cyclists to champion environmental conservation. Furthermore, cycling fits perfectly in this agenda, being one of the most eco-friendly modes of transport and a zero-emission activity,” the statement reads.
How cycling reduces our carbon footprint
With the transportation sector contributing roughly 23% of global carbon emissions primarily through fossil fuel use, cycling offers a practical, low-impact solution to reduce our carbon footprint.
Through the foundation’s slogan, “Pedal of Positive Change,” Mwenda encourages the community to adopt sustainable living practices that minimise environmental harm and promote long-term well-being.
“Driven by a genuine desire to make a valuable contribution to something even greater, his commitment to service is what led him to enlist in the National Police Service in 2016, with his first posting being the National Police College Main Campus Kiganjo as an instructor in the faculty of ICT, having attended and completed the Instructors’ Course. He also completed the highly specialised VIP Protection Course and was later posted in Machakos in 2018, where his commitment to conservation intensified,” the statement further reads.
Since joining the service, cycling has also become a vital part of community policing, fostering a stronger connection between him and the community that he serves, making him more approachable and effective as a police officer.
“His journey has been marked not only by advocacy but also by innovation, a feat which has earned him international recognition for his contributions to sustainable development.
In 2024, he was honoured with a prestigious award at the Global Change Makers Awards in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for his invention of a smokeless incinerator, an environmentally friendly solution that has revolutionised waste management in several areas,” NPS explained.
Where has PC Julius Mwenda planted trees
This innovation significantly reduces harmful emissions and promotes cleaner, more sustainable waste disposal practices and is set to improve as PC Mwenda explores the integration of solar energy as a way to further enhance its sustainability.
His work, which has earned him numerous other accolades, has set a new benchmark for eco-conscious waste disposal, which he hopes will be adopted nationwide and beyond.
Over the years, he has undertaken numerous projects, including tree planting drives in Meru, Machakos, Kirinyaga, and Embu counties.
Most recently, he was part of a team that undertook a 200km ride to Nanyuki on April 18, where they planted at least 2,000 trees.
PEDALING TOWARDS A GREENER FUTURE: PC JULIUS MWENDA’S INSPIRING JOURNEY IN ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACYOne of the most fulfilling aspects of police work is the opportunity to make a positive difference in the community, not only by fostering safety and security, but also driving
Mwenda’s efforts have attracted strong partnerships with stakeholders such as the County Government of Machakos, Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (TARDA), and supportive colleagues who have been essential in mobilising resources and building momentum for his cause.
“As KingsMind Cycling Foundation continues to grow, its impact has expanded beyond environmental advocacy to include road safety, particularly for vulnerable road users, in collaboration with Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), E-Bikes Africa, among others,” NPS added.
Why PC Julius Mwenda will cycle to Brazil
The foundation also champions mental wellness, working with groups such as Ikokay Africa and the Suicide Awareness Team to create spaces for open dialogue and community support where the participants have an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations.
Looking ahead, the foundation is preparing for its most ambitious project yet: cycling from Kenya to Brazil for the upcoming 30th United Nations Climate Change conference (COP30) this November.
A team of elite cyclists, including members of KingsMind, will undertake a symbolic journey to raise global awareness about climate action and sustainable living.
“Indeed, PC Julius Mwenda’s journey is one of transformation and purposeful action. From his humble beginnings in Muthara, Tigania East, Meru County, he is now globally recognised for his work in environmental sustainability, proving that real change is possible when vision is followed by action,” said NPS.
NPS said that it recognises and applauds PC Mwenda for setting an example in providing solutions towards caring for the planet we exist in.
“It serves as a powerful reminder and a compelling call to play our parts to make a change in mitigating the devastating impact of global warming and climate change on people and the planet by embracing sustainable practices such as proper collection and waste disposal, especially at a time when the Inspector General of Police is steering the Service towards excellence in all aspects,” explained NPS.
Moving forward, NPS disclosed that PC Mwenda’s work is not only an inspiration to the service but also an encouragement to join this noble cause and be part of the solution but also a great step towards achieving President William Ruto’s goal to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, reduce greenhouse emissions, and stop and reverse deforestation.
