Kevin Wekesa’s Play Green: When Sport Meets Climate Action
In a year when Kenyan athletes continued to excel on global stages, one rising sports figure is gaining international acclaim not just for athletic skill but for environmental leadership through sport.
Kevin Wekesa, a forward for Kenya’s national rugby sevens team (Shujaa), has been recognised with a 2025 International Olympic Committee (IOC) Climate Action Award — a global honour celebrating efforts to connect sport with sustainability and community impact.
Wekesa’s recognition followed the growth of Play Green, an initiative he launched that uses sport as a platform to promote environmental stewardship. Through partnerships with clubs, schools and community groups, Play Green has replaced thousands of single-use plastic bottles with reusable alternatives and introduced recycling and tree-planting campaigns across the country.
The IOC highlighted Wekesa’s work for reducing plastic waste, advancing awareness on water conservation and waste management, and engaging young people in climate education — all activities that blend athletic influence with environmental responsibility.
Beyond sustainability, Kenyan sports continued to capture the world’s attention: the 2026 Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA) gears up under the vision of legendary athlete Paul Tergat, celebrating a new generation of icons.
On the field, Kenyan international defender Collins Sichenje completed a high-profile transfer to English club Charlton Athletic, underscoring the export of Kenyan talent to major global leagues.
Meanwhile, middle-distance runner Ruth Jepchumba Bundotich was named World Athletics Woman of the Year 2025, recognising her tireless commitment to advancing women’s sport in Kenya and beyond.
Collectively, these developments reflect a broader moment for Kenyan sport: one where competitive success, global recognition and social impact intersect. In this evolving landscape, athletes like Kevin Wekesa are demonstrating that sporting icons can lead not only on the pitch but also in shaping healthier, more sustainable communities.