Famous Karura Forest to be named after the late Prof. Wangari Maathai
The memory of environmental activist and Nobel Laureate Professor Wangari Maathai is set to live on at Karura forest.
Gathogo Wanjiru 
Karura forest where she took her fierce activism protecting it for posterity is set to be renamed after her. The government is set to rename the forest in recognition of its deep commitment to the environment.
On Tuesday, officials from the Environment ministry led by CS Keriako Tobiko and the National Assembly Environmental Committee deliberated on the move.
The deliberations came after the Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan petitioned the National Assembly to recognize the critical role Wangari Maathai played in conserving Kenya’s natural resources.
Hassan said Maathai was instrumental in salvaging Karura forest from the existential threat of land grabbers, thereby safeguarding its preservation and conservation for current and future generations.
“That, on account of Maathai’s tireless efforts and dedication, Karura forest is today a thriving natural endowment that serves as a home to many animals and plant varieties.
"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,” Hassan said.
Hassan said Maathai’s unmatched sacrifices, selflessness, and courage led to the preservation, conservation, and proper management of other forests, wetlands, public parks, and natural resources in the country.
Her efforts are a key driver behind the government’s environmental agenda of attaining a minimum of 10 percent forest cover in the country.
Already, one road and an Institute have been named after her.
These include Nairobi Forest Road that was renamed Wangari Maathai Road and the Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies at the University of Nairobi.
Environment Committee chairman Kareke Mbiuki said the committee fully supports the move.
The Maara MP said the executive arm of the government supported the idea following the engagements.
“They have no objection. The government is excited to honor Wangari Maathai. As a committee, we will conclude the petition recommending the same.”
This was after Tobiko supported the move.
