19-year-old Turkana woman Alice Ngitira feted by King Charles III

Alice Ngitira, the recipient of the Amal Clooney Women's Enterprise Award, meets King Charles III. (Photo: British High Commission in Nairobi)

By Mary Wambui
Friday, June 27, 2025

Alice Ngitira was awarded at a star-studded event held at London's Royal Festival Hall and attended by Amal and George Clooney, Charlotte Tilbury, Dame Joanna Lumley, DJ Cuppy, Joseph Fiennes and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, among many other notable guests.

A Turkana businesswoman is the recipient of this year's Amal Clooney Women's Empowerment Award, which is part of the annual King Charles III Trust Awards, which celebrate young women globally who have succeeded against the odds in having a positive impact on their communities.

19-year-old Alice Ngitira runs a thriving business in crafting and selling unique beadwork products, including bangles and belts, that allows her to cover the basic needs of her family and support her siblings' education.

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Ngitira's growth and resilience have fuelled her motivation to uplift herself and inspire others facing similar challenges.

"Through the success of her business, Alice has been able to hire young women from vulnerable backgrounds, teaching them the art of bead making and inspiring them to seek financial independence," a statement from Kings International Trust, a charitable organization that supports young people across the world through employment, education and enterprise programmes says.

She was awarded on Thursday at a star-studded event held at London's Royal Festival Hall and attended by Amal and George Clooney, Charlotte Tilbury, Dame Joanna Lumley, DJ Cuppy, Joseph Fiennes and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, among many other notable guests.

Before the awarding ceremony, Ngitira met with King Charles III during a reception at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the winners' achievements.

"Alice's resilience, strength, and entrepreneurial spirit truly stood out to me. Through the art of traditional Kenyan beadwork, she has built a thriving business, funded her education, and uplifted her family and community. Her journey is a testament to the power of creativity and determination—and an inspiring example of women empowering themselves and other women and girls around them," said Amal Clooney while presenting the award.

Alice Ngitira, in traditional Turkana wear, joins other recipients of this year's King Charles III Trust at Buckingham Palace during a reception to celebrate their feat. (Photo: British High Commission in Nairobi)

On her part, the King's Trust Enterprise Ambassador, Charlotte Tilbury MBE, described Ngitira as an exceptional woman and entrepreneur who truly embodies the power of limitless thinking, and exemplifies her belief that with confidence, one can change their lives, communities and even the world.

"As the King's Trust Ambassador for Enterprise, I am so proud to honour Alice. Alice is everything this award was created to honour. Her story is one of resilience, brilliance, and belief, and it shows young girls around the world what's possible when you're given a chance and when you believe in yourself. She reminds us that innovation isn't limited to big cities or boardrooms; it's thriving in the hands of young women with a dream, a vision, and unshakable determination. It's such an honour to support His Majesty the King's vision and be a part of the trust's global mission to unlock the magic of confidence for young people around the world," she said.

Ngitira said her mindset has always been the dare to dream it, dare to believe it, dare to do it mentality, and the work of the King and the King's Trust embodies that.

"I believe when a young person, especially a girl, is empowered, the whole community is enlightened. When the girl can earn an income, she will provide for her family, educate her siblings to be better people in future, resulting in a self-reliant generation and a better community for all. That is the goal I hope to achieve by being that change," she said after receiving the award.

The Women's Empowerment Award was founded by King Charles III, the former Prince of Wales.

The King's Trust awards celebrate young people who have participated in King's Trust programmes around the world. This year, the charity celebrates ten years since it expanded its work globally, bringing its programmes to over 100,000 young people in underserved communities.

The Enterprise Challenge Programme, delivered in partnership with King's Trust International and the Asante Africa Foundation, equipped Ngitira with critical skills to scale up her business, including digital marketing and outreach.