Joseph Nguthiru

“"Collaboration is everything. The answers and solutions to our problems lie in the people next to us. The only difference between stagnation and progress is our willingness to collaborate."”

“"We have the solutions to our African problems."”

“"Service to environment and community is a calling—one I do wholeheartedly."”

“"Turning environmental liabilities into livelihoods—that's the heart of innovation. Every challenge is an opportunity to empower communities."”

“"Plastics. We can't live with them, can't live without them… it's a tough relationship. That's the challenge HyaPak is taking on."”

“"We hope that we can create a solution right here in Kenya that can be replicated across the world and simultaneously create ripple benefits for other countries faced by similar problems."”

“"One of Kenya's green heroes, turning environmental problems into opportunities for community empowerment."”

“"A leader committed to empowering communities through climate action and sustainable entrepreneurship."”

“"Joseph Nguthiru is transforming invasive water hyacinth into biodegradable packaging, demonstrating how innovation can simultaneously address environmental and socioeconomic challenges."”

“Circular Economy Advocate - Developed scalable models for waste-to-value systems across East Africa”

“Green Jobs Creator - Established training programs and employment opportunities in the green economy for Kenyan youth”

“HyaPak Innovation - Pioneered biodegradable plastics from water hyacinth, transforming an environmental liability into sustainable packaging”

“Obama Foundation Leader (2023) - Selected as an emerging leader in Africa”

“UNEP Young Champion of the Earth (2025) - Recognized by the United Nations Environment Programme for innovative climate solutions”