Nobel Peace laureates mark Wangari Maathai Day at Karura Forest

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Nobel Peace Prize laureates joined environmental activists, community leaders, and young women leaders at Karura Forest on Tuesday morning to mark Wangari Maathai Day and Africa Environment Day.

The event celebrated the life and legacy of Kenya’s most prominent environmental defender, Wangari Maathai.

The event, held at the forest brought together laureates alongside local activists, young climate defenders, community members, and representatives of the Wangari Maathai Foundation, Friends of Karura Forest, and the Green Belt Movement.

Speaking during the event, Friends of Karura Forest Chairman Karanja Njoroge highlighted Professor Maathai’s pivotal role in defending Karura Forest in January 1998, when she confronted land allocations that threatened the 1,043-hectare urban forest.

“Wangari Maathai almost lost her life here in 1998, but because of her courage, this forest exists today,” Njoroge said. “Everyone gathered here is committed to protecting her legacy.”

Karura Forest has since grown into one of Kenya’s most visited urban forests. Friends of Karura Forest has employed 123 staff members, while an additional 315 community members earn a living through activities linked to the forest.

Visitor numbers average between 75,000 and 80,000 people per month, with families, runners and school groups frequenting the trails.

Mama Njeri, a local environmental enthusiast and regular visitor, said she has experienced first-hand the benefits of Karura.

“This forest is a place for nature walks with family, a space for children to learn and play, and through the CFA, children also receive scholarships,” she said. “I have vowed to protect Karura Forest so future generations can enjoy it as we do today.”

The Nobel laureates attending the event are in Kenya under the Rooted & Rising programme, an initiative aimed at empowering young women activists working at the intersection of climate justice, peace and human rights.

During the event, Green Belt Movement Chairperson Wangari Chege thanked participants for coming together to celebrate the day, saying the commemoration reaffirmed Maathai’s vision of citizen-led environmental stewardship.

“Karura is a symbol of what courage can achieve. It reminds us that ordinary people, especially women, can stand up and defend what belongs to the public,” she said.

Dorothy Aseyo of the Green Belt Movement reflected on the forest’s benefits, crediting Maathai for making tree planting a pillar of environmental conservation.

“Despite all the challenges we face at Karura Forest, we will keep fighting for what is right to protect the pride of Wangari Maathai Karura Forest, which she fought so hard to defend,” she said. “Maathai planted seeds of hope, peace and resilience that our children and grandchildren will enjoy in the future.”

March 3 is observed annually as Wangari Maathai Day in Kenya and coincides with Africa Environment Day, offering a platform to reflect on conservation efforts across the continent while honouring Maathai’s enduring impact.

The event concluded with a walk through the forest.