Environment envoy brings new ideas to conservation

Further, she is advancing the use of the castor plant for phytoremediation. This refers to the use of specific plants to clean up soils that are contaminated with pollutants, such as heavy metals like zinc and cadmium.

The castor plant is one of a number that act as purifiers of soil. The plants have the ability to either extract the pollutants from the soil or neutralise their negative effects on soil fertility.

Ms Sego plans to apply the technology using the castor plant to clean up the garbage field near her home in Eldoret after removing the refuse.

She says young people with innovative and sustainable ideas are rarely supported, unlike in developed countries. “Companies should give back to society by assisting young people to develop their ideas,” she suggests.

The multi-lingual speaker of French and Chinese, alongside her mother tongue and English and Kiswahili, says she confident enough to throw a piece of advice to fellow youth.

“Always remember to stay focused. Stay on course, reach for the stars, and you will be able to achieve what you have set out to do,” she says.