Hellen Wanyora Irungu

Hellen Irungu is a climate justice advocate and legal professional dedicated to shaping equitable policies that protect vulnerable communities, particularly women and girls. As a Research Assistant at Strathmore University, she spearheaded research on integrating climate resilience into Kenya’s public-private partnerships, contributing to World Bank-endorsed recommendations aimed at mitigating climate-driven economic losses. At the Parliamentary Service Commission, she played a key role in strengthening Kenya’s Biodiversity Bill by identifying gaps in environmental governance to enhance ecosystem protections. Beyond policy, Hellen has led grassroots climate advocacy through the Talloires Network’s Next Generation Leaders’ Cohort, where she examined gendered climate inequalities during COVID-19. She has worked directly with Nairobi’s Kibera slums, campaigning against gender-based violence, and has mentored girls in rural Kenya through Equity Bank’s Wings to Fly initiative. Currently consulting for the Climate Impact Fellowship, she applies her expertise in climate justice, systems thinking, and policy design to co-create inclusive solutions for Africa’s most climate-vulnerable populations. A Strathmore University Law graduate and Advocate-in-training at the Kenya School of Law, Hellen bridges legal expertise, grassroots mobilization, and global partnerships to drive impactful climate action.