Born and raised in the lush highlands of Kenya, Eric Mutuma grew up surrounded by natureās quiet wisdom. His childhood in a rural village shaped his earliest memories ā chasing butterflies through maize fields, helping his grandmother plant indigenous trees, and fetching water from clean mountain springs. It was here, in the heart of nature, that a deep connection to the environment began to take root.
In primary school, Eric was already different. While others rushed off to play, he stayed behind to clean the schoolyard or collect stray plastic bottles. He often asked teachers difficult questions about deforestation and drought, his young mind already buzzing with purpose.
āI didnāt know the word āenvironmentalistā then,ā Eric says, ābut I knew I wanted to protect what gave us life.ā
š± The Roots of Passion Begin Early
In this heartwarming photo, a young Eric Mutuma is seen planting his very first tree ā guided gently by his mother, who was part of a vibrant local womenās group engaged in community greening initiatives.This moment, simple yet powerful, marked the beginning of a lifelong journey. While other children played nearby, Eric was drawn to the act of nurturing life from the soil ā watching, learning, and participating in his motherās tree planting efforts. These early experiences shaped his sense of environmental responsibility and ignited a flame that would grow into a full-blown calling.
At secondary school, Ericās love for nature took shape through action. He joined the Environmental Club and quickly rose to become its leader. His initiatives transformed the school compound:
Over 1,000 trees planted
Rainwater harvesting systems introduced
Solid waste management initiated before it was even trendy
One memorable event was the āGreen Challengeā, where his team competed against other schools to develop the most eco-friendly school system. Ericās team won, and he was nicknamed āMr. Greenā by fellow students.
But his journey wasnāt always smooth. At one point, Eric was suspended for skipping a class to attend a climate strike. āThat day was tough,ā he recalls, ābut it showed me that real change often begins with rebellion ā with standing up for something bigger than yourself.ā
He spearheaded multiple sustainability projects:
š± āGreen Campusā Initiative ā Created green zones, solar lighting systems, and eco-friendly waste bins across campus
š ļø Greening Skills Training ā Taught students how to build biogas systems, solar driers, and organic gardens
š Community Outreach ā Led environmental awareness campaigns in local communities, training over 500 households in climate-smart agricultureĀ