Young Achievers Nominees

GRACE IPATO KENTA

Tembea Make an Impact

YOUNG ACHIEVER

Meet Grace Ipato Kenta, a dynamic force for environmental conservation and community empowerment! At just 22 years old, Grace is making waves as an Environmental Conservationist, focusing on advocacy and outreach within Kenya’s pastoral communities.

As the founder of Tembea Make An Impact Organization, Grace leads an award-winning youth-led initiative recognized by Eco-Tourism Kenya in 2023. Tembea Make An Impact is more than just an organization—it’s a movement. Driven by youth leadership, our mission is to inspire and mobilize individuals to create a sustainable and flourishing world.

We envision a future where the environment is protected, communities are empowered, and youth play a pivotal role in driving positive change.

SHERYL B. KEMUNTO MBOYA

Isisa LTD

YOUNG ACHIEVER

Introducing Sheryl Mboya, a powerhouse of positive change and advocacy! From her roots in Kajiado, Kenya, Sheryl’s journey began at the age of 8, witnessing injustices faced by children, from Female Genital Mutilation to Early Child Brides. As the former Speaker of the Kajiado Children’s Assembly and Secretary to the Cabinet at the Kenya Children Assembly, Sheryl’s early involvement fueled her passion for advocacy. She actively championed for the inclusivity of intersex children and contributed to the development of the Kenya Children Act, 2022.

Six years ago, Sheryl’s commitment to environmentalism merged with her advocacy, leading her to address societal and climatic injustices. As an innovator, she developed transformative initiatives like the Menstrual Hygiene Project, “Period!”, which empowers women and girls with dignity and confidence. Through this project, Sheryl has raised awareness about menstrual health and provided access to eco-friendly menstrual products, making a tangible impact on countless lives. But her advocacy doesn’t stop there. Sheryl’s work extends to education, healthcare, and protecting women and children from exploitation. She believes in the power of education as a catalyst for change and actively promotes initiatives for equal educational opportunities for all.

DIANA BARASA

Founder of Regal Africa

Young achiever

Diana Barasa Kutswa is a 23-year-old third-year engineering student at Kenyatta University with a passion for soccer and coaching. Here’s an overview of her involvement:

Soccer Player: Diana plays soccer for both the university team and Kiwanja Soccer Academy. She actively participates in matches and training sessions, demonstrating her dedication to the sport.

Coach: Diana is a qualified CAF D coach and holds the position of head coach for the girls’ department at Kiwanja Soccer Academy. Additionally, she serves as an assistant coach for the junior categories at the academy. Her coaching responsibilities involve training and mentoring young players to develop their soccer skills and teamwork.

Academy Establishment: Kiwanja Soccer Academy was established in 2019 by Derick Ogonda, the head coach, and Diana. She played a significant role in introducing the girls’ category to the academy in 2020, thereby expanding the reach of soccer opportunities for girls in the community.

Schedule: Despite her academic commitments, Diana dedicates significant time to both her studies and soccer engagements. She attends classes in the morning hours and balances her training schedule with Kenyatta University and Kiwanja Soccer Academy throughout the week. Additionally, she commits her weekends to soccer matches and academy activities, prioritizing her passion for the sport and coaching.

Diana’s involvement in soccer as both a player and coach showcases her commitment to empowering young athletes and promoting gender inclusion in sports. Her dedication to balancing academics and sports highlights her determination and leadership skills, making her a role model within the soccer community.

BILHA JOY OWUOR

Precious Lives Matter

YOUNG ACHIEVER

Introducing Bilha Joy Awuor, a beacon of hope and positivity in her community! As a community development worker, period advocate, Sunday school teacher, and first runner-up humanitarian, Bilha has dedicated over 6 years to serving her community with unwavering passion and dedication. Bilha is the epitome of a young achiever, making a tangible difference in the lives of those around her.

She is the driving force behind Precious Lives Ministries (PLM), a youth-led initiative based in Narok. PLM takes a holistic approach to empower communities by addressing both the seen and unseen elements of menstrual hygiene. At PLM, Bilha and her team firmly believe that ending period poverty is a crucial step towards building communities where every individual can thrive and reach their full potential. Join Bilha and Precious Lives Ministries on their mission to catalyze community empowerment and shape lives for a brighter future!