NAIROBI, Kenya – At just 11 years old, Alice Wanjiru Mubia is already making a name for herself in the world of environmental conservation.
With over 20,000 trees planted, she’s proving that age is no barrier when it comes to protecting the planet.
Her inspiration? The late Prof. Wangari Maathai, Kenya’s Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and her famous hummingbird story—a tale about doing what you can, no matter how small.
Alice has taken that lesson to heart, calling Maathai’s legacy her “compass” in a journey that began when she was just six years old.
As a scout leader and National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) ambassador, Alice isn’t just planting trees—she’s mobilizing her peers to do the same.
Her campaign, “Grow One Tree on Your Birthday,” encourages people to celebrate their special day by planting a tree, turning birthdays into an opportunity for forest rehabilitation and climate action.
This simple yet powerful idea has the potential to significantly increase Kenya’s tree cover, combat deforestation, and restore ecosystems—one celebration at a time.
Alice’s advocacy goes beyond forests. As the world marks World Wetlands Day on February 2, she’s calling for national and county governments, conservationists, and communities to join forces in protecting these crucial ecosystems.
“Wetlands are disappearing due to urbanization, pollution, and climate change,” she warns. “If we don’t act now, we risk losing these natural filters that support biodiversity and regulate our climate.”
Alice Wanjiru Mubia may be young, but she’s already proving that small actions can lead to big change.
Whether it’s planting trees, rallying her peers, or advocating for wetlands, she’s a shining example of what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
