Prof. Maathai Celebrated as Fearless Environmental Champion as Kenya Pushes for Strong Plastics Treaty
She cited Kenya’s landmark ban on plastic bags in 2017 and continuous investments in the circular economy as proof of commitment from Kenya’s end.
Environment Cabinet Secretary (CS), Dr. Deborah Barasa. Photo/Courtesy.
By Ruth Sang
Environment Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa Wednesday made an impassioned call for urgent global action on the environment as she led celebrations marking 20 years since the late Prof. Wangari Maathai won the Nobel Peace Prize. In a speech in Karura Forest during a commemorative event that brought together diplomats, UN representatives and the Maathai family led by Wanjira Maathai, Dr. Barasa described the celebrated conservationist as a bold African pioneer whose life’s work reshaped Kenya’s environmental landscape and influenced global climate justice advocacy.
Dr. Barasa celebrated Prof. Maathai as a defender of democratic space and an unwavering voice for women and communities that have been affected by environmental degradation. “Prof. Maathai taught us that the environment is the foundation of human survival. Her struggle for forests was a struggle for dignity, democracy and the livelihoods of ordinary citizens, especially women,” she said.
Karura Forest, where the event was held, is one of the most visible symbols of Prof. Maathai’s resistance against destructive political and commercial interests. Dr. Barasa reflected on the violence and hostility that the Nobel Laureate faced but said that it never deterred her from battling to save the natural heritage of Kenya. “She ignited a revolution that planted more than 30 million trees. But more importantly, she planted hope and awakened environmental consciousness across communities in Kenya and Africa,” she said.
Drawing from Maathai’s famous hummingbird parable, the CS encouraged both the citizenry and the international community to take on board a sense of personal responsibility for taming the climate and biodiversity crises: “Prof. Maathai reminds us that even the smallest effort counts, that is how she lived, and that is how she inspired millions.”
Dr. Barasa reiterated the government’s commitment to restoration, under President William Ruto, citing various ongoing efforts, including the 15 billion tree-growing campaign, enhanced forest governance, expanded community forestry programs, and mainstreaming of nature-based solutions in national planning.
Nevertheless, she warned those individuals and groups destroying conservation: “Anyone destroying forests, polluting rivers, grabbing public land or weakening environmental governance stands in direct opposition to the legacy of Wangari Maathai. Our forests, wetlands and biodiversity hotspots will not be sacrificed for short-term gain—not under our watch,” she said.
Later, at the 7th Ministerial Meeting of the High Ambition Coalition and Friends in Nairobi, Dr. Barasa reiterated the call for ambitious global leadership to support a robust plastics pollution treaty. She cited Kenya’s landmark ban on plastic bags in 2017 and continuous investments in the circular economy as proof of commitment from Kenya’s end.
She called on the HAC members to support a competent leadership of the INC for the February 2026 elections, saying the ambition mandated by UNEA should be preserved. “We must resist dilution of the treaty. The world expects a meaningful agreement that addresses production limits, harmful chemicals, microplastics, financing and full life cycle of plastics,” she emphasized.
Delegates are invited to Kenya’s side event entitled “Bridging Divides, Building Consensus: Towards an Ambitious Global Plastics Treaty” that will take place on December 11 at the UN Wellness Centre. As UNEA-7 continued, the message from Dr. Barasa was clear: a celebration of the Prof. Maathai’s legacy required action on protection of the environment at home and championing bold, coordinated, and global action to end pollution by plastics.
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