Arise Media 
In a world where youth are often portrayed as disengaged, there are shining examples that defy these stereotypes.
Meet Olive Wambui, a remarkable youngster whose dedication and compassion have earned her a prestigious Community Impact Award.
Recently, Wambui received a trophy from Zuri Awards in the Public Service Category for her exceptional work in bringing change to the community.
“The Zuri Award for public service category goes to the phenomenal Olive Wambui of the Outreach and Resource Base (ORB) for HIV awareness,” read the announcement during the awarding event held at Movenpick Hotel, Nairobi.
Zuri Awards is a platform under the Zuri Foundation, founded in 2017 to recognize, celebrate, and support unsung exceptional women dedicated to creating positive change through work in their communities.
Wambui, 32, stands as a beacon of hope in the Embu community, inspiring others with her selflessness and unwavering commitment to making a difference.
“As a professional cinematographer, digital marketing strategist, voiceover artist, and actress, I leverage my talents to educate others on sexual reproductive health, particularly condom use and negotiation,” she says.
Raised in Gichiche village of Runyenjes constituency, Embu County, she has always felt a deep connection to the people and places that make up its fabric.
“My HIV programming journey began tragically with the loss of my elder sister to an AIDS-related illness when I was just 16 years old,” she says.
The stigma she faced from her community caused her to have significant low self-esteem which spiraled into an abusive marriage at just 19 years, despite being a very brilliant girl.
“I got married immediately after high school but broke up when it turned abusive. I started working with single mothers in my estate where we discussed how to end stigma,” she says.
Determined to make a difference, Wambui, who initially lived in Nairobi, returned to Embu in 2017, started working under Maisha youth, and founded the ORB.
Maisha Youth is a national movement under the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) mandated to support Ministry of Health (MOH) activities in HIV programming through advocacy.
“Through this organization, I have successfully advocated for human rights and HIV awareness in Runyenjes. I give out condoms and teach about their proper use to young mothers and young men,” she reveals.
Wambui’s initiative began with small workshops and seminars in local schools and community centers. The community’s response to Wambui’s initiative is overwhelmingly positive.
Locals praise Wambui’s courage and the tangible difference her work was making in the lives of young people prompting her to win the trophy.
“I am motivated by the opportunity to empower others with knowledge and resources to protect their health and rights. I aim to continue advocating for comprehensive sexual reproductive health education, with a focus on marginalized communities,” she says.
She urges everyone to join her in the fight against HIV/AIDS and stigma to ensure her light continues to shine, guiding the way toward a healthier and more informed future.
Wambui is currently the Vice Chairperson of Maisha Youth in Embu County and the chairperson of the USAID KENYA Adolescent and Young People Advisory Council.
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