A young Kenyan recognized by the late Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to his community.

 

Sixty young individuals hailing from various Commonwealth nations were graciously invited to the esteemed Buckingham Palace on June 29th, where they were bestowed with the prestigious Queen's Young Leaders Award directly from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Among these remarkable recipients stood Towett Ng'etich, a dedicated student pursuing a degree in Communications and Public Relations at Moi University.

Ng'etich is the driving force behind 'Uthabiti' (uthabiti.org), a groundbreaking startup aimed at combatting the proliferation of counterfeit medicines and health products. With a keen focus on providing access to safe medical supplies within densely populated urban areas, Uthabiti operates through an innovative mobile application. Through this app, users can effortlessly access vital information regarding registered pharmacies sanctioned by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Kenya. Patients can conveniently locate desired products, identify nearby stores stocking them, ascertain prices, place orders, and await prompt delivery, all with the simple tap of a screen.

Reflecting on his awe-inspiring encounter with Queen Elizabeth II, the 21-year-old shared his sentiments on Facebook, expressing profound humility and gratitude. Standing before the revered monarch, Ng'etich experienced a blend of emotions—feeling simultaneously humbled yet empowered, diminutive yet significant. His inclusion among the cohort of youth driving positive change across the Commonwealth countries was an unforgettable and humbling experience.

The Queen's Young Leaders Award serves as a testament to the outstanding contributions of individuals aged 18-29 from diverse Commonwealth backgrounds. These remarkable young leaders spearhead initiatives aimed at addressing pressing global issues, including but not limited to education, climate change, gender equality, mental health, disability, and social equity. Through their unwavering dedication and innovative projects, they exemplify the spirit of positive change and inspire hope for a brighter future across the globe.