NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 26 – Kenyan environmental initiative Fruity Schools Africa has been named a finalist in the Environmental Stewardship category of the 2026 .ORG Impact Awards.
The organisation was selected among 35 finalists from more than 4,200 entries submitted from 145 countries. It is one of five organisations shortlisted globally in the Environmental Stewardship category.
Fruity Schools Africa runs the Little Gardens of Eden initiative, which involves planting fruit trees in schools and communities to improve children’s access to nutritious food while promoting environmental conservation.
The programme also seeks to support climate action, create green jobs and improve community resilience.
Founder Kennedy Odoyo said the initiative uses fruit trees to address several challenges facing children and communities.
“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,” Odoyo said.
He said the international recognition would help draw attention to the initiative and support its expansion across Kenya.
“This is more than international applause; it is an invitation to scale a home-grown solution,” he said.
Each finalist will receive a $2,500 donation and will remain eligible for a $10,000 category award and the .ORG of the Year award, which carries a total donation of $50,000.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., on October 6, 2026.
Fruity Schools Africa is now seeking partnerships with schools, county governments, companies and development organisations to expand its fruit-tree programme to more communities.
