About The Green Belt Movement Kenya

The Green Belt Movement (GBM Kenya) was established in 1977 by Prof. Wangari Maathai, under the auspices of the National Council of Women of Kenya.

Its vision is to create a society of people who consciously work for continued improvement of their environment and a greener, cleaner Kenya. Its mission is to mobilize community consciousness for self-determination, equity, improved livelihoods and security, and environmental conservation. It is guided by the values of volunteerism, love for environmental conservation, pro-action for self-betterment, accountability, transparency, and empowerment.

GBM Kenya has used tree planting to realize its vision and mission in nine districts nationwide (Bungoma, Embu, Kisii, Machakos, Maragua/Muranga, Meru, Nyeri, South Nyanza, Trans Nzoia). While tree planting has always been the focal activity, GBM programs have expanded to include projects in indigenous tree planting, civic education, advocacy, food security, greenbelt eco-safaris, and “women and change.” Through these projects GBM Kenya has succeeded in promoting environmental consciousness, volunteerism, conservation of local biodiversity, self-empowerment, community development, and accountability.

Gallery of Photographs

Click here to view a gallery of photographs of the Green Belt Movement Kenya.

Staff Experts

The following is a short list of experts from the Green Belt Movement Kenya (GBM Kenya) staff and the issues they are available to discuss or for which they can provide further information. To contact any of them, please call or email the Green Belt Movement office in Nairobi, Kenya: Tel: +254 (0)20 – 573057 / 571523. Email: media@greenbeltmovement.org.

Tree Planting and Water Harvesting
“In GBM, community members take action because they understand the linkages between the environment and poverty—that is the core of it all.”—Njogu Kahare, 10 years working with GBM Kenya

Advocacy and Networking
“Seeing the success we have had gives me energy: the campaign to save Karura Forest and Uhuru Park are good examples.”—Lillian Muchungi, 10 years working with GBM Kenya

Civic and Environmental Education
“I’m proud of the women in our groups because they contribute significantly to community empowerment.”—Esther Wamucii, 11 years working with GBM Kenya

Pan-African Initiative, Water Harvesting and Food Security
“GBM does not dictate an agenda. We help communities identify their problems and solutions; that way they own and sustain them.”—Joseph Karangathi Njoroge, 8 years working with GBM Kenya

Capacity Building, Income Generating Activities, Health Promotion
“I have been training GBM networks on how to initiate sustainable income generating activities and increasing their awareness of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.”—Daniel Gichohi, 1 year working with GBM Kenya

Green Belt Safaris
“It’s a challenging project, but as a team we make it happen.”—Muriithi Kaburi, 4 years working with GBM Kenya