MPs Want Karura Forest Renamed After Prof. Wangari Mathai

The National Assembly environment committee has proposed the renaming of Karura Forest after the late environmentalist Prof. Wangari Maathai.

The committee successfully deliberated on the renaming of the forest during a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Environment led by CS Keriako Tobiko.

Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan, who tabled the proposal in Parliament, wants the forest named after Prof. Maathai in recognition of her efforts in protecting the wooded area.

He argues that Karura Forest provides a home to many animals and plant varieties thanks to Prof. Mathai’s efforts.

“It also provides Appropriations-in-Aid revenue for the government, through fees obtained for its therapeutic benefits that attract thousands of runners, walkers, cyclists, campers, and tourists every year,” he added.

CS Tobiko said the ministry will engage Kenyans in public participation and consult with the Cabinet before the renaming can be done.

Karura Forest, which covers 2,570 acres, is one of the largest urban gazetted forests in the world. It was gazetted in 1932 and has over 600 species of wildlife.

Prof. Maathai was the founder of the Green Belt Movement and was the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.

She served as assistant minister for environment and natural resources in the government of President Mwai Kibaki and MP for Tetu between 2003 to 2007.

Maathai died of complications from ovarian cancer on September 25th, 2011.