Dear Mr President,

We write to you today as a concerned non-profit organisation that was started in 1977 by Nobel Laureate Prof Wangari Maathai. As citizens, our hearts are heavy with both sorrow and urgency as we are deeply troubled by the current state of our nation’s environmental heritage, which once shone brightly. Today, as we mark Wangari Maathai Day, a day meant to celebrate her remarkable legacy and relentless fight for nature, we feel compelled to express our deep disappointment and to respectfully ask you to reflect upon the choices that are steering our beloved Kenya away from the path she so courageously championed.

Mr President, how is it that Wangari’s dreams are now at risk of being eroded by policies and actions that seem to stray from the ideals of environmental justice, community empowerment, and sustainable development? Her vision was clear, she wanted a Kenya where every citizen, particularly women and grassroots activists, would be recognised as stewards of our land, nurturing it back to life. Yet today, we witness an alarming trend of decisions that jeopardise our forests, water towers, and public spaces. We respectfully ask: Why does our government allow the continued abduction and harassment of activists? These brave and mostly young individuals, many inspired by Wangari’s unwavering spirit, risk their lives to safeguard our future. Their treatment undermines the very freedom and justice upon which this nation was built.

Green lunch

Furthermore, we are deeply concerned about the government’s plans to appropriate 51.64 acres of Karura Forest for the construction of a road. Karura is not merely an area of greenery; it is the vibrant green lung of our nation, a sanctuary that sustains life and nurtures biodiversity. How can we justify such an action that would scar a cherished ecosystem and set a dangerous precedent for the exploitation of our natural wealth? Similarly, why is it that 50 acres of Suam Forest are targeted for the development of a border town? What value do our forests hold if they can be sacrificed so readily in the name of progress without due consideration for the long-term impacts on our environment?

We must also ask about Central Park; this is a symbol of public space and community. Why does it remain inaccessible to the very people for whom it was meant to be a haven? Public spaces are meant to be enjoyed by all citizens, a place to reconnect with nature and with one another, yet this essential right seems to be denied.

The environmental challenges extend further. Your government’s proposal to construct a 25km road through Aberdare Forest is, frankly, worrisome. The Aberdares are not simply a collection of trees and trails; they are a vital water tower, safeguarding our nation’s water supply and sustaining countless species. This project, if allowed to proceed, would inflict irreversible damage on one of our most critical natural assets. Moreover, your action of lifting the logging ban moratorium has triggered rampant charcoal burning and timber harvesting that go unabated. How do we expect to achieve the ambitious target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032 if these destructive practices persist?

We also ask: Why does plantation farming continue in our public forests, given its notorious impact on biodiversity and the delicate ecological balance of our natural landscapes? These questions are not asked in a spirit of confrontation but rather in the earnest hope that the well-being of future generations, and Wangari’s legacy, will be placed above short-term interests.

National heritage

Mr President, we respectfully urge you to consider the profound implications of these decisions on our national heritage and on the future of every Kenyan. Wangari dedicated her life to empowering communities, especially women and grassroots organisations, to reclaim and nurture our environment. Today, her legacy calls out for decisive, compassionate, and visionary leadership. It is incumbent upon you to ensure that Kenya remains a land where nature is revered and protected, where the rights of environmental activists are upheld, and where public resources are used to benefit all citizens rather than a privileged few.

The people of Kenya have placed their trust in your leadership, and we believe that true progress can only be achieved when development does not come at the expense of our natural resources. We respectfully ask you to answer these questions with concrete actions that honour the memory of a Nobel laureate whose vision continues to inspire us. Our nation is at a crossroads; the decisions you make today will determine whether Kenya emerges as a model of sustainable development or succumbs to the relentless march of environmental degradation.

Greener Kenya

As we mark Wangari Maathai Day, a moment meant to be a celebration of environmental stewardship and community empowerment, I implore you to put the future of our children and the integrity of our natural heritage at the forefront of your agenda. We have, as a nation, disappointed the legacy of a woman who believed in the power of the people and the strength of our collective will to create a greener, more just Kenya. The time has come to walk the talk, to ensure that your policies reflect the values of conservation, justice, and progress that our country so desperately needs.

We remain hopeful that you will take these concerns to heart and act in a manner that safeguards our environment for future generations. The eyes of history, and Wangari’s spirit, are upon you. Let us together forge a future where Kenya’s natural treasures are preserved, and where every citizen can proudly say they contributed to the legacy of a nation that chose to honour its land and its people.

Yours truly,

The Green Belt Movement