Three Kenyans set to meet Queen Elizabeth

Three Kenyans are among 60 young people from across the commonwealth countries selected as receivers of the prestigious Queen’s Young Leaders Award.

The three will be awarded by the Queen of England Queen Elizabeth in June as a celebration for their achievements “to transform the lives of others and make a lasting difference in their communities”.

The three will also meet Prince Williams and Prince Harry.

Abdikadir Aden, 23 from Garissa County is among the three selected in recognition of his work to champion climate change and environmental conservation.

Others are Samuel Karuita, 27 from Nairobi who has been acknowledged for her efforts to provide educational opportunities for marginalized young people and Caren Nelima Odanga, 27 from Mumias was selected in recognition of her initiative to support and educate women in rural Kenya.

“I got the news today (yesterday) and I am indeed very happy. No matter what you do, or how hard you try, when the right time comes for your greatest achievement, nothing will stop it,” Aden said.

“ The year 2015 is a great year for me and especially in realizing the long term dreams of my life. I have always being offered the platform to excel and move forward. I will make Kenya Proud”

Abdikadir will also be undergoing through various mentoring programmes and interacting with other young people as well as leadership development by University of Cambridge.

The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme discovers, celebrates and supports exceptional young people from across the Commonwealth.

The life changing Programme has been established by The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust and run in partnership with Comic Relief and the Royal Commonwealth Society in honour of The Queen’s 60-year contribution to the Commonwealth.

“I am looking forward to engaging more young positively in their different societies and in nation building. The future is in our hands and we play a very critical role since we are composed of the largest population in our different societies,” said Aden.

The three receive a package of mentoring and support including a week long residential in the UK.

At the end of the week long residential all Award winners will receive their Queen’s Young Leaders Award during a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace.