Clean air should not be a privilege. Meet Fredrick Njoroge Kariuki and Miron Clifford Onsarigo, two 17-year-old innovators from Kenya and the minds behind HewaSafi, Swahili for “Clean Air.” Their solution is a low-cost vehicle exhaust system that captures emissions using filters made from maize cobs, coconut shells, agricultural waste, and algae. Built from lived experience and urgent local need, HewaSafi turns discarded materials into activated carbon filters and pairs them with a living Spirulina algae bioreactor that absorbs CO2 in real time. The result: a Hybrid Exhaust Purification and Carbon Capture System designed to capture over 90% of harmful particulate matter at just KES 16,288, around $125. It is made for the roads where it matters most - from matatus to boda bodas across Africa. Fredrick and Miron are not waiting for permission to clean the air. They are building the future from what others throw away. Team Members Fredrick Njoroge Kariuki, 17 Miron Clifford Onsarigo, 17 Follow the team: Fredrick Njoroge Kariuki Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rftt_yb X: https://x.com/FrederickL9707 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094619071612 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredrick-njoroge-kariuki Miron Clifford Onsarigo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mco_onsa X: https://x.com/Prowler1483001 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18JdZtrmSh/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clifford-onsarigo-000b6a382 The Earth Prize celebrates young people creating bold, practical solutions for the planet. This tone follows TEP’s youth-driven, rebellious-but-polished brand direction.
The Earth Prize 2026: Africa Regional Winner: HewaSafi Innovators from Kenya
