At only 12 years old, Karen Wanjiru Kimani is emerging as one of the most dedicated environmental ambassadors. Her commitment to conservation is evident through her active participation in various initiatives.

While celebrating her 12th birthday in the first week of December, Wanjiru, the founder of Karen Forte Environmental Conservation, a children-led NGO, announced that they have grown over 15,000 trees in four years. In line with her organization’s mission and vision, Karen and her 400 members plant trees for their birthdays.

On her 11th birthday in 2023, Wanjiru planted 2,016 tree seedlings in Kinale Forest and another 2,000 seedlings in the same spot. Additionally, she launched her forest adoption initiative on her birthday.
With the support of the Kenya Forestry Service (KFS) in Kinale, she plans to adopt the 4,016 trees as her own and start her own forest. According to Karen, this approach encourages tree growing rather than just tree planting, ensuring that seedlings are properly cared for and do not dry up.

In line with her NGO’s mission and vision, Wanjiru has a nationwide program aiming to have an environmental ambassador in all 47 counties. She has so far managed to nominate ambassadors in five counties: Nairobi, Murang’a, Nakuru, Bomet, and Kiambu. She typically nominates a girl and a boy in each county to ensure gender balance. In every county, Karen organizes environmental mentorship programs for children.
The launching of her forest adoption marks a milestone, according to Karen as she will have a chance to mentor children as they visit a real forest which will motivate many.
Wanjiru, a grade 6 pupil, believes most of the trees planted in the country lack follow-up care.