The Environmental Activism of 12-Year-Old Kenyan Musician, Alyce Ngure

By Gitonga Njeru

At only 12 years old, Aliyce Ngure from Millennium Global International School in Nairobi is orchestrating a symphony of change in the environmental sector.

Utilizing her musical talents, Alyce is not only rapping but also singing her musical acting skills to spread messages of climate urgency to help capture the hearts and minds of her peers.

Alyce’s activism extends beyond music. In December 2024, she was instrumental in leading a notable tree-planting initiative at Kileleshwa Police Station in Nairobi.

Through these efforts, Alyce educates both young and old people on the repercussions of climate change, highlighting the pivotal role that youth can play in environmental conservation.

Alyce, a native Kenyan, combines her musical prowess with a fervent commitment to environmental advocacy.

Her journey into activism was ignited by her early experiences with nature and inspired by her close proximity and interaction with Kenyan musical icon Juliani, who at the time was championing the road to Durban United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change COP15.

Similar to the likes of Wangari Maathai and Sweden’s Greta Thunberg, Alyce’s work shows the potential of young leaders in driving environmental change, demonstrating that even at a young age, today’s youth can significantly influence global sustainability efforts.

In addition to Alyce,  there are other notable young people who are performing tremendous work in Kenya, such as Karen Wanjiru Kimani. At just 10 years of age, she has planted over 30,000 trees and engages in plastic pollution cleanup, showcasing the vibrant youth movement for environmental care.

Elizabeth Wanjiru Wathuti, now older but active since her teens, leads the Green Generation Initiative, which focuses on similar objectives.

Elsewhere, there’s Leah Namugerwa from Uganda. Starting at age 14, she has campaigned for tree planting and plastic bag bans. In Germany, 12-year-old Jana influences business leaders on the importance of tree planting through initiatives like Plant-for-the-Planet.

Alyce’s plans envision a future where her music and activism continue to intersect, broadening her impact. She aims to organize more community tree-planting events, host educational workshops in schools, and collaborate with international young activists.

Her long-term vision includes influencing policy in Kenya toward greater environmental sustainability, thereby contributing to both local and global climate action frameworks.

Alyce Ngure’s inspiring journey calls for a collective response to protect our planet. Here’s how you can join this movement:

Plant Trees: Follow Alyce to participate in her series of tree-planting events lined up through her social spaces, and include local or school-based initiatives to plant trees, countering deforestation and carbon emissions.

Educate Others: Leverage your platform or community to educate others about climate change, much like Alyce does with her music.

Support Youth Initiatives: Support Alyce in her quest to adopt lifestyle changes that reduce environmental impact, from minimizing plastic use to promoting renewable energy sources.

Engage Politically: Advocate for environmental policies, even if you’re not old enough to vote, by influencing those who can.

Invitation to UNEP and Climate Change Organizations: Alyce’s work represents a beacon of hope and action in environmental advocacy. Her initiatives align perfectly with the missions of organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and other climate change bodies. By supporting Alyce and similar youthful leaders, we can amplify youth voices in global environmental discussions, foster innovative solutions, and drive policy changes for a sustainable future.

Let’s unite to ensure that the melody of change Alyce sings echoes through the halls of international environmental policy, creating a world where future generations can thrive in harmony with nature.