This National Heroes Day, Kenya celebrates a new generation of heroes and heroines whose efforts to protect the environment continue to shape the nation’s sustainable future. The  National Heroes Council has identified these individuals for their outstanding contributions to environmental conservation, from restoring natural forests and managing waste to promoting clean energy and protecting endangered wildlife. Guided by its mandate, the Council has identified these Kenyans among those proposed for declaration as national heroes and heroines in 2025.

Here’s a list of the heroes:

1. Dr. Chris Kiptoo, CBS

Dr Kiptoo founded The Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Program (KICP) in response to deforestation and degradation of the Kaptagat forest ecosystem in collaboration with the local community.

The KICP initiative has strengthened ecological resilience, preserved habitats and created a sustainable future for forest-edge communities. It has restored over 2,765 hectares of degraded forests. The initiative has seen the planting of over 300,000 high-value avocado trees benefiting more than 280,000 households. This has reduced the reliance on forests for fuel, promoting eco-friendly farming and clean energy usage. 

2.Caleb Ambulwa Burudi

Caleb has been at the forefront of supporting Kenya’s 15 billion tree target. He has established tree nurseries and spearheaded tree planting campaigns countrywide, and managed to plant over 2 million trees. The locations for his tree planting projects include Kirimum, Samburu County and a tree for peace project along the borders of Kakamega, Nandi, Uasin-Gishu and Vihiga counties. 

Through these initiatives, he has promoted peace and sustainability and restored ecosystems like the Kakamega forest. He has also contributed to the ecological restoration in Enchan, Kerarapon and Kisaju zones in Kajiado county by donating over 100,000 seedlings. 

3. Benard Kipkorir Koech

Bernard has mobilised youth involvement in climate action by leading tree-planting projects. He has planted trees in areas like Cheptalal Police Station, Cheptalal Primary school and Cheptalal Hospital. Taboino Primary and Secondary, Aregeriot Primary and Secondary. 

4.  James Makau Muthui

Senior Superintendent and farm manager James is an environmental conservationist who has served  G.K. prisons and partnered with various schools for tree planting and creating environment conservation awareness. 

5.  Dr Thomas Mbithi Musili

Dr Musili has contributed largely to environmental conservation through e-waste management. Through his Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment centre (WEEE Centre), he has processed over 10,000 tons of e-waste hence reducing the toxic effects of e-waste on health and the environment. 

Musili has also trained more than 6K youth on entrepreneurship and waste management. 

6. David Mutembei Festus

David is being feted for his efforts towards the preservation and protection of the endangered wildlife species. He has led operations spearheaded by the Aberdare Investigation, intelligence and Wildlife Protection Department teams. He recovered over 12 pieces of rhino and elephant tusks in Nyeri and Nyandarua counties. 

7. Alfred Okoth Ochola

Alfred is being honoured for engaging local communities and the administration in mitigating human-wildlife conflicts. He calls for public barazas to sensitise the local communities on wildlife safety and protection.

He has addressed challenges like predation on livestock , snake bites , crocodile and hippopotamus attacks along the lake shores , hyena  attacks on livestock among other challenges. 

8. Dominic Kibitok Tanui

Dominic, the chair of Kobujoi Community Forest Association, has been on the front line of reforestation efforts, biodiversity awareness campaigns and also youth training in sustainability. His community-led initiatives have focused on bamboo value chain development, forest protection and Climate Action. 

9. Lillian Letiwa 

Lillian has demonstrated dedication in the field of environmental conservation and sustainability. She has participated in  tree-planting programs aimed at restoring degraded landscapes, improving soil stability, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting local eco-systems. She has inspired other communities to play an active role in environmental stewardship.

10.  Jerono Recho Kibet

Jerono has provided leadership in coordinating the refugees and displaced people in Turkana county in environmental conservation through tree planting, recycling programs, waste management and also mentorship. 

11.  Stephen Kihuni Wachira

Stephen, the director of Kihuwa Forestry Ventures, has partnered with the Kenya Defence Forces, Nanyuki, for  17 solid years in tree-planting  in the environmental soldier programme.

12.  Yunis Ibrahim Sheikh

Yunis has spearheaded the Eldas Afforestation and Greenification Programme, that have overseen the planting of over 1 million trees in Eldas over the past 5 years, resulting in reducing the negative effects of climate change and increased economic opportunities for the traditionally Nomadic community of Eldas.

13. Joyce Gachugi Waweru

Joyce has contributed to plastic waste reduction through the  Packaging Producer Responsibility Organization (PAKPRO). She has steered waste management and implemented circular economy solutions contributing to conservation of natural resources and reduction of plastic waste pollution.

14.  Joseph Towet 

Following the destruction of Chepalungu Forest during the 2007-2008 post-election violence, Joseph established the Chepalungu Apex Community Forest Association (CHEACOFA). Through the initiative he has mobilized local community and other stakeholders to contribute to reafforestation efforts. He has planted over 90,000 indigenous trees through this initiative and reclaimed degraded land. 

15. Prof. Peter Muriungi Kinyua

Prof Kinyua has planted over 40,000 trees at the Tharaka University Campus. He also donates more than 30,000 seedlings yearly to the local community. Kinyua established a clean-up facility to fight plastic pollution. 

16.  Bruce Mukuru Kimanthi

Bruce has been producing environmentally friendly clean cooking stoves since 2013, resulting in reduced deforestation and less carbon emissions. 

The National Heroes Council, a State Corporation established under the Kenya Heroes Act No. 5 of 2014 in accordance with the State Corporations Act (CAP. 446), operates under the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage, within the State Department for Culture, the Arts and Heritage.