PEDALING TOWARDS A GREENER FUTURE: PC JULIUS MWENDA’S INSPIRING JOURNEY IN ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY

One 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 meaningful change by leveraging the access and reach that police officers have to members of the community in all segments of society. Police Constable (PC) Julius Mwenda is one of many police officers who has seized this opportunity, turning a passion for cycling into a platform for advocacy for environmental conservation through adoption of sustainable practices to minimize negative impacts on our planet. His 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, that 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 for fitness. 

What started as a recreational pursuit eventually evolved into a critical medium for his advocacy. Recognizing the power of collective action, he rallied his fellow cyclists to champion for environmental conservation. Furthermore, cycling fit perfectly in this agenda, being one of the most eco-friendly modes of transport and a zero-emission activity. 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 minimize 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 specialized VIP Protection Course and was later posted in Machakos in 2018, where his commitment to conservation intensified. 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 honored 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 revolutionized waste management in several areas. 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 which undertook a 200km ride to Nanyuki on April 18, where they planted at least 2,000 trees.  

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 mobilizing 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. 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 all the way 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 recognized for his work in environmental sustainability proving that real change is possible when vision is followed by action. The National Police Service recognizes and applauds PC Julius 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 own 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. As we move forward, PC Mwenda’s work is not only an inspiration to us all and 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 reducing greenhouse emissions, stopping and reversing deforestation.