Shujaa ace Kevin Wekesa nominated for Global Sport Positive Award

The four-time Kenya Cup champion is among nine global finalists for the Next Generation Trailblazer Award, competing against Ben Hardy-Jones (The Desert Vipers), Emma Howe (Deloitte), Hamid Bouzit (Tibu Africa), Ioannis Konstantopoulos (University of Lausanne), Logan Waddle (Penske Entertainment), Luigi Cordasco (Malmö FF), Rebecca Videlo (World Sailing) and Sabrina De Angelis (Own Your Voice Academy).

The final shortlist will be confirmed on August 29, with winners announced on October 7.

Wekesa’s Play Green initiative seeks to embed environmental stewardship into the very fabric of sports culture.

Within the national rugby sevens setup, he spearheaded the elimination of single-use plastics during training sessions by providing reusable bottles, a move that has prevented thousands of plastic bottles from entering the environment each month.

Beyond the pitch, his influence has extended across the country, leading the planting of over 1,500 trees in schools and communities through the creation of “Shujaa Forests.”

He has also educated thousands of young people on climate action, promoting sustainable practices that go beyond rugby.

The campaign is built around four key pillars: Tree Planting, Education, Recycling, and Ending Single-Use Plastics.

Play Green has so far reached more than 10 institutions in just two years, driving projects such as waste recycling at matches, encouraging green transport, and fostering an understanding that true sustainability begins with awareness.

Wekesa’s work reflects a holistic approach to environmental action, aligning closely with Kenya’s broader climate and conservation goals.

The Sport Positive Awards, launched in 2024, celebrate global leaders using sport to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental justice.

Kenya’s presence on the nominee list extends beyond Wekesa, with Athletics Kenya for Environment and Diversity recognized in the Purpose-Led Partnership with a Non-Profit category.