Kenya Sevens forward Kevin Wekesa has been named runner-up for the United Nations Kenya Person of the Year 2026 award in recognition of his efforts to use sport to drive climate action and promote environmental sustainability.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsWekesa, the founder of Play Green, has emerged as a leading advocate for environmental conservation in Kenya, using rugby to raise awareness about climate change, reduce plastic waste and promote tree planting in schools and communities.The initiative has combined sporting activities with environmental education, with Wekesa visiting schools across the country to engage students in rugby coaching, climate awareness sessions and tree-planting exercises.Former Simbas captain outlines four-point plan for Kenya’s Rugby World Cup dreamReacting to the recognition, Wekesa dedicated the award to everyone supporting the use of sport as a tool for environmental conservation and community transformation.“This award belongs to everyone who believes in the power of sport to drive climate change action and transform communities. Through Play Green, we are proving sport can be a force for lasting change. From over 8,000 fruit trees planted in schools to recycling almost a tonne of PET at Safari 7s, we have only just begun,” Wekesa posted.##NAJAVA_MECA_10066827##Wekesa's environmental journey gained momentum before the 2024 Summer Olympics, when Kenya's men's sevens team was navigating a difficult period following its relegation from the top tier of international rugby sevens.During that time, he travelled across the country conducting free rugby coaching clinics in schools. A visit to Kirinyaga, on the slopes of Mount Kenya, proved particularly influential.Wekesa encountered a dry, unplayable field that forced the cancellation of a rugby session. Students explained that the conditions had persisted for nearly two months, prompting him to reflect on the impact of changing weather patterns on their environment and sporting opportunities.Kenya 7s speedster opens up on inaugural Ultimate 7s experienceThe experience inspired him to establish Play Green in 2023, with the organisation seeking to demonstrate how sport can contribute to addressing environmental challenges.Since then, the initiative has expanded its reach, conducting workshops in more than 40 schools and introducing students to practical environmental conservation measures.Play Green prioritises fruit trees, including avocado, mango and guava, to provide long-term environmental benefits while also addressing food insecurity among schoolchildren. Wekesa noticed during his school visits that some students were too hungry to participate fully in rugby sessions.Honoured to be named runner up UN Kenya Person of the Year 2026. This award belongs to everyone who believes in the power of sport to drive climate change action and transform communities. Through Play Green we are proving sport can be a force for lasting change. From over 8,000 fruit trees planted in schools to recycling almost a tonne of PET as Safari 7s, we have only just began. Thank you @UnKenya— Kevin Wekesa (@wekesa_kenya) October 27, 2026 Each child adopts a tree planted through the programme and labels it with their name and the year of planting, encouraging a sense of ownership and responsibility for its growth.The organisation is also piloting a programme to provide whole-grain porridge to children in vulnerable communities.Wekesa's work has attracted international recognition, including the 2025 International Olympic Committee (IOC) Climate Action Award. ##NAJAVA_MECA_10066837##One of Play Green's initiatives involved introducing reusable water bottles to Kenya's men's and women's national sevens teams, helping save approximately 1,000 plastic bottles every week.His advocacy has also extended to discussions with global environmental leaders. In April, Wekesa met United Nations Environment Programme Executive Director Inger Andersen to discuss reducing single-use plastics during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.Play Green's impact was also evident at the 2026 Safari 7s, where the organisation mobilised volunteers to collect recyclable plastic during the three-day tournament at Nyayo National Stadium.Specmagic reveals what makes Kenyan rugby uniqueThe initiative collected approximately 850kg of recyclable plastic, equivalent to an estimated 34,000 plastic bottles' worth of material, with 67 volunteers contributing 137 volunteer-days.The collection represented 85 per cent of the organisation's 1,000kg target, achieved during an event that recorded an estimated 33,000 fan visits.