School fruit-tree initiative recognised among world’s leading environmental changemakers

Dubbed Fruity Schools Africa, the initiative has been named a finalist in the Environmental Stewardship category of the 2026 .ORG Impact Awards, one of the world’s prominent recognitions for mission-driven organisations.

Speaking of the recognition, Fruity Schools Africa founder Kennedy Odoyo said the recognition belongs to the pupils, teachers, communities, partners and Fruity Rangers who have planted, protected and believed in living gardens. 

“For us, a fruit tree is never just a tree. It is nutrition for a child, practical environmental education, shade for a school and an investment in the next generation. It shows that a simple idea rooted in Kenya can offer hope far beyond our borders,” Odoyo said.

Through its 'Little Gardens of Eden' initiative, Fruity Schools Africa grows fruit trees in schools and communities so that children can gain better access to nutritious food while learning, firsthand, how caring for the environment can change lives.

The same model supports climate action, creates green employment opportunities and helps communities build a healthier, more resilient future.

Public Interest Registry, the nonprofit behind the .ORG domain, selected 35 finalists from more than 4,200 submissions across 145 countries. Fruity Schools Africa is one of only five organisations worldwide shortlisted in Environmental Stewardship.

Each finalist will receive a $2,500 (Ksh.323,000) donation and remains eligible for a $10,000 (Ksh.1.2M) category award and the .ORG of the Year honour, which carries a total donation of $50,000 (Ksh.6.4M).

“This is more than international applause; it is an invitation to scale a home-grown solution. We welcome schools, county governments, companies, development partners and individual Kenyans to help us put more fruit trees within reach of more children—and to stay with those trees until they thrive,” Odoyo added.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on 6 October 2026.