Kenya 7s and Kabras RFC forward Kevin Wekesa has been named the winner of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Climate Action Award 2025 in the men’s category.
Wekesa was recognized for his innovative work using sport as a platform for climate action through Play Green, an initiative he founded to address the effects of rising temperatures and desertification that are already disrupting livelihoods across Kenya.
Kevin Wekesa’s initiative
His efforts place him among a distinguished group of winners that also includes New Zealand Olympic hockey player Hugo Inglis, the National Olympic Committee of the Netherlands (NOC*NSF) and the International Biathlon Union (IBU).
One of Play Green’s most visible impacts has been the replacement of single-use plastic bottles with reusable aluminium bottles for Kenya’s national rugby teams. The move has significantly reduced plastic waste, saving nearly 1,000 plastic bottles every week.
Beyond elite sport, Wekesa has embedded sustainability into education and community engagement. Through partnerships with 40 schools, Play Green combines tree-planting activities with workshops on water conservation, waste management and climate justice. So far, the programme has supported the planting of 2,300 trees and engaged thousands of children in climate education across the country.
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The initiative has also expanded into clubs and sports federations, where Wekesa has introduced match-day recycling programmes, installing clearly marked recycling bins and collection points to divert waste from landfills.
Looking ahead, Wekesa’s ambition is to scale Play Green nationwide. His plans include the introduction of plastic-free stadium zones, promotion of biodegradable packaging, and the establishment of a Green Ambassador programme in schools. With the backing of the IOC Climate Action Award, he hopes to turn these ideas into a replicable grassroots model that demonstrates how sport can drive meaningful climate action.
Now in their third edition, the IOC Climate Action Awards recognise and celebrate athletes, National Olympic Committees and International Federations that are delivering measurable progress in the fight against climate change.
