In an inspiring blend of duty and passion, Police Constable (PC) Julius Mwenda has emerged as a leading voice in environmental advocacy, using the unlikely combination of a bicycle and a badge to promote sustainability, innovation, and community engagement across Kenya.
A police officer with the National Police Service since 2016, Mwenda has transformed his personal love for cycling into a national and global platform for climate action. From spearheading tree planting drives to inventing a smokeless incinerator that’s revolutionizing waste management, Mwenda’s work exemplifies the power of purpose-driven leadership.
Raised in Muthara, Tigania East, in Meru County, Mwenda’s environmental journey began in his student days at Athwana High School, where he served as patron of the school’s environmental club. There, he laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to sustainability, encouraging students to take initiative through school gardens and recycling programs.
Mwenda’s love for cycling, cultivated over 15 years, led to the formation of the KingsMind Cycling Foundation—a community of cycling enthusiasts united not only by fitness but also by the mission to drive environmental change. Cycling, a zero-emission mode of transport, became the ideal vehicle—both literally and figuratively—for spreading the message of sustainable living.
Under the foundation’s slogan, “Pedal of Positive Change,” Mwenda and his team have integrated environmental awareness with action, advocating for clean energy, sustainable transportation, and greener communities. Their campaigns target major contributors to climate change, such as the transport sector, which is responsible for nearly a quarter of global carbon emissions.
His service in the police has only amplified his reach. As an instructor at the National Police College in Kiganjo and later in his posting in Machakos, Mwenda’s bicycle became a symbol of approachability and trust in community policing—while simultaneously serving as a visual statement on sustainable transport.
Mwenda’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. In 2024, he received global recognition at the Global Change Makers Awards in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for inventing a smokeless incinerator—a groundbreaking solution that reduces toxic emissions and promotes safer, cleaner waste disposal. The innovation is currently being refined to include solar energy integration, enhancing its sustainability and scalability.
Beyond innovation, his practical efforts on the ground have yielded impressive results. He has led tree planting initiatives across Meru, Machakos, Kirinyaga, and Embu counties. In April 2025, Mwenda joined a team on a 200km cycling expedition to Nanyuki, planting over 2,000 trees along the route.
These initiatives have garnered partnerships with key stakeholders, including the County Government of Machakos, Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (TARDA), and various non-governmental organizations.
KingsMind Cycling Foundation’s scope has also expanded to road safety advocacy in collaboration with KeNHA, NTSA, and E-Bikes Africa, promoting safer roads for cyclists and other vulnerable road users. Mental wellness is another frontier, with the foundation working with Ikokay Africa and the Suicide Awareness Team to provide support spaces for open dialogue and healing through community rides.
Looking ahead, PC Mwenda is set to embark on his boldest mission yet—a cycling expedition from Kenya to Brazil for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in November. The symbolic ride will raise global awareness about climate action and the need for sustainable living.
The National Police Service has lauded PC Mwenda’s achievements, describing him as a “shining example” of how officers can lead not only in law enforcement but also in national development and environmental stewardship. His efforts directly support President William Ruto’s ambitious target to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, a key pillar in the country’s climate strategy.
From humble beginnings to international acclaim, PC Julius Mwenda’s journey is proof that meaningful change is possible—one pedal stroke at a time. His story is a rallying cry for all citizens to take ownership of the planet’s future by embracing sustainable practices and becoming part of the solution.
As climate change continues to threaten ecosystems and communities worldwide, the legacy of this cycling police officer is a beacon of hope—and a powerful reminder that real change begins with individual action.
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