How a Machakos police officer is fighting crime and climate change
ANNE KANGERO-KNA
Many people see the role of the police as solely maintaining law and order and protecting lives and property. However, for Julius Mwenda, a police officer based in Machakos County, his commitment extends beyond traditional law enforcement.
Driven by a deep passion for the environment, Mwenda has taken an active role in conservation and climate change initiatives, earning him both local and international recognition.
At just 31, Mwenda, stationed at the Machakos County Police Headquarters, has received multiple environmental awards from local and global organizations, solidifying his reputation as a leader in environmental conservation.
His love for nature began in childhood. Growing up, he enjoyed planting trees and flowers around his home and actively participated in climate change initiatives.
As an alumnus of Athwana Secondary School in Meru County, he served as chairman of the Environment Club, a role that further fueled his passion for conservation.
His environmental activism later merged with another interest—cycling. Initially a hobby for fitness, cycling became a platform for advocacy when he founded the Kingsmind Cycling Foundation.
The group brings together like-minded colleagues and community members who cycle while championing environmental conservation. “I started cycling around Iveti Forest in Machakos during my free time and encouraged colleagues and community members to join me.
That’s when we realized our shared passion for the environment and established the Kingsmind Cycling Foundation,” Mwenda said.
Through the foundation, Mwenda has mobilized youth, colleagues, and community members to plant over 1,000 trees.
Their efforts earned recognition from Elite Brands Awards International as the Outstanding Innovative Cycling Club of the Year.
Mwenda was also named Outstanding Entrepreneur and Environmentalist of the Year 2024.
His commitment to conservation reached the global stage in February 2025 when he traveled to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to receive the prestigious 5th Global Change Makers Award for his contributions to environmental conservation.
Beyond tree planting, Mwenda has ventured into waste management and reducing carbon emissions. He designed a 50-kilogram smokeless incinerator at the Machakos Police Headquarters.
The incinerator burns waste in a lower chamber, compresses smoke in an upper chamber, and releases vapor instead of harmful emissions. “I have always wanted to ensure we breathe fresh air while curbing air pollution. Creating this incinerator was a way to reduce carbon footprints and mitigate climate change,” he explains.
In addition, Mwenda started a tree garden outside the police headquarters, where he and his colleagues nurture various tree species, creating a fresh and serene environment at the station.
He credits his parents—both passionate environmentalists—for inspiring his conservation journey. Together, they have planted over 2,000 trees on their eight-acre farm in Meru, creating a peaceful and green space.
With members of the Kingsmind Cycling Foundation, Mwenda has led tree-planting efforts in Kathiani, Machakos Town, and around Maruba Dam. The group plans to expand its activities to other counties, promoting both environmental conservation and an active, healthy lifestyle.
L o o k i n g a h e a d , Mwenda and his team are organizing a major cycling and conservation event during the Easter holiday. The Kingsmind Cycling Foundation will cycle from Nairobi to Laikipia, inviting individuals and organizations to support their cause.
Mwenda acknowledges the invaluable support of Machakos County, Iveti Community Members, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), and the Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (TARDA), who have provided tree seedlings, printed T-shirts, and helped organize community engagement initiatives.
He also expresses gratitude to his superiors, Inspector General Douglas Kanja and Machakos County Commander Patrick Lobolia, for their guidance and encouragement.