Children’s environment pageant eyes expansion to all 47 counties in push for climate action

The Little Mister & Miss Environment Kenya initiative is seeking to expand its reach to all 47 counties, with organisers pushing to have children play a bigger role in climate action and environmental conservation.

The initiative brought together 15 finalists for its 2026 edition held at Gems Suites Hotel in Riverside, Nairobi, where the young contestants took part in environmental projects, leadership presentations, creative costume displays and other activities centred on climate action.

The event was attended by Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr. Eng. Festus K. Nge’no, who challenged organisers to transform the annual event into a national network of young environmental ambassadors.

Nge’no said children should be given opportunities to participate in climate action at both national and county levels, noting that Kenya’s response to climate change places emphasis on climate action, public awareness, education and resilience.

“If we are preparing the next generation of environmental leaders, then every child must have an opportunity to participate, learn, lead and contribute,” he said.

The Principal Secretary encouraged the initiative to work with county governments to create opportunities for children to participate in local climate and environmental programmes.

The organisers said the proposed expansion would take into account the different environmental challenges facing counties, including drought, water scarcity, flooding, waste management, pollution, biodiversity loss, deforestation and climate-related displacement.

Under the planned expansion, children would participate in environmental activities in their communities while being linked to a wider national network.

The organisers also expressed an ambition to create opportunities for outstanding young environmental champions to participate in international climate forums, including the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, subject to accreditation and other participation requirements.

The event also highlighted the importance of inclusion, with children living with disabilities taking part in the programme.

Organisers said the inclusion was intended to ensure that environmental leadership opportunities are accessible to all children, particularly as climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable communities.

Little Mister & Miss Environment Kenya Franchise Director and Little Big Talents Kenya founder Joan Musumba said the event demonstrated the potential of giving children a meaningful role in climate conversations.

“It gives me a lot of hope and joy to see these children take centre stage on climate matters,” Ms. Musumba said.

She said the next phase would focus on expanding participation across counties, strengthening partnerships and equipping children to undertake environmental activities in schools and communities.

The 2026 competition featured contestants drawn from different parts of the country, with awards presented across several categories.

Noveen Kendi Mwenda was crowned Grand Miss Environment Kenya, with Peace Bilha Sero and Marren Akeyo taking first and second runner-up positions respectively.

Brandon Aboge won the Grand Mister Environment Kenya title, followed by Roy Graham and Prince Fortune Nkosana as first and second runners-up.

Marren Akeyo was named Little Miss Environment Kenya, while Ivyne Chumba Sopia won the Pre-Teen Miss Environment Kenya title and Peace Bilha Sero was crowned Teen Miss Environment Kenya.

Mwenda also won the People’s Choice award, while Ainsley Muthoni took Best Project. Nkosana was named Africa’s Voice, while Kelsy Wanjiru won the Congeniality award.

The organisers said the long-term objective is to establish a nationwide network of young environmental ambassadors who can promote climate awareness, conservation and practical environmental action in schools and communities.