Many people view the role of the police as solely maintaining law and order and protecting lives and property.
However, for Justus Mwendwa, a police officer in Machakos County, his commitment extends beyond traditional law enforcement.
His deep passion for the environment has driven him to take on an active role in conservation efforts and climate change initiatives, earning him local and international recognition.
At just 31 years old, Mwendwa, stationed at the Machakos County Police Headquarters, has received multiple environmental awards from both local and global organisations, solidifying his reputation as a leader in environmental conservation.
With a passion for the environment from an early age while growing up, Mwendwa had a natural love for nature.
He actively planted trees and flowers around his homestead and participated in climate change activities.
As an alumnus of Athwana Secondary School in Meru County, he served as Chairman of the Environmental Club, a role that further fueled his commitment to conservation.
His passion led him to cycling, initially as a fitness activity but later as a platform for environmental activism where
He founded the Kingsmind Cycling Foundation, a group of like-minded colleagues and community members who cycle while advocating for environmental conservation.
“I started cycling around Iveti Forest in Machakos during my free time and recruited colleagues and community members to join me. That’s when we realised our shared passion for the environment and established the Kingsmind Cycling Foundation,” says Mwendwa.
Through the Kingsmind Cycling Foundation, Mwendwa has mobilised youth, colleagues, and community members to plant over 1,000 trees, earning recognition from Elite Brands Awards International as the Outstanding Innovative Cycling Club of the Year. He was also named Outstanding Entrepreneur and Environmentalist of the Year 2024.
His commitment to conservation reached a global stage in February 2025, when he travelled to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to receive the prestigious 5th Global Change Makers Award for his contributions to environmental conservation. This recognition solidified his role as an innovative leader in climate action.
Beyond tree planting, Mwendwa has also ventured into waste management and reduction of carbon emissions. He designed a 50 kg smokeless incinerator at the Machakos Police Headquarters.
The incinerator burns waste in a lower chamber, compresses smoke in an upper chamber, and releases vapour 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 the effects of climate change,” he explains.
In addition, Mwendwa started a tree garden outside the police headquarters, where he and his colleagues nurture various tree species, bringing a fresh and serene environment to the police station.
Mwendwa credits his parents—also passionate environmentalists—for inspiring him in his conservation journey. Together, they have planted over 2,000 trees on their 8-acre farm in Meru, creating a peaceful and green space.
With members of the Kingsmind Cycling Foundation, he has led tree-planting efforts in Kathiani, Machakos Town, and around Maruba Dam, with plans to extend their activities to other counties; their goal is to promote both environmental conservation and an active, healthy lifestyle.
Looking ahead, Mwendwa and his team are organising a major cycling and environmental conservation event during the Easter holiday.
The Kingsmind Cycling Foundation will cycle from Nairobi to Laikipia, encouraging participation from interested individuals and organisations to support their cause.
Mwendwa acknowledges the invaluable support from Machakos County, Iveti Community Members, Kenya Forest Service (KFS), and Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (TARDA), who have provided tree seedlings, printed T-shirts, and helped organise 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 in following his environmental dream.
Through his relentless efforts, Justus Mwendwa has proven that the role of a police officer goes beyond law enforcement—making a lasting impact on climate action, conservation, and community well-being.
By Anne Kangero
