• The story of Karen Kimani, a young environmentalist in Kenya, is intriguing and one of a kind. Karen, barely eleven years old, has received a commendation from Shaheen Nilofer, the Country Representative of United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Kenya.

The story of Karen Kimani, a young environmentalist in Kenya, is intriguing and one of a kind. Karen, barely eleven years old, has received a commendation from Shaheen Nilofer, the Country Representative of United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Kenya.

Shaheen Nilofer had this to say on her X space concerning the young environmentalist on August 26, 2024.

@ShaheenSnilofer

An inspiring presentation by Karen Kimani, a young environmentalist, Cabinet Secretary of Environment at her school, shared her conservation journey with the UNICEF team today.

Although young, "Karen has penned her biography and steadfastly in pursuit of a livable planet, an Africa and Kenya fit for children," she stated.

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Karen draws her unreserved inspiration from Laureate Wangari Maathai, a 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner who championed the people's democracy and the environment, although she died long before Karen's birth.

Wangari was widely known for her work defending democracy and for fighting deforestation through her Green Belt Movement, which she initiated.

In Wangari's undying spirit, Kimani has planted more than 10,000 trees, an initiative she has embraced since she was four.

Notably, Karen has won several accolades, and she has had a chance to meet President Ruto, with whom she had a conversation on forestry and rangeland restoration.

In addition, her work and efforts have become salient to many people, including high-profile dignitaries, including Akinwumi Adesina, the African Development Bank President, Jane Marriott, the British high commissioner of Kenya, Rachael Ruto, the first lady of Kenya, Soipan Tuya, the then Environment and Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary, and her teachers, too.

Kimani's example in climate change mitigation is one to be marveled at. Her work is epic and needs to be embraced by every young person for the sake of their future.

As young as Karen is, she has the ambition to open a factory that produces biodegradable bottles. She says, "Protecting the natural environment is a nice thing. It has beautiful trees and flowers that give us life."

Ahead of the African Bank Group's Annual Meetings, which took place in Egypt from May 22 to 26, 2023, Karen called upon the inclusivity of the young generations in programs and activities geared towards protecting our mother planet Earth. This, therefore, awakens the significance of everyone in enacting policies and actions for a better environment tomorrow.