To be the leading enviromental conservation education organization in the region
To promote conservation of the environment, in particular forests and sustainable management of natural resources through education programmes
On January 8, 1999, Prof. Wangari Maathai led a historic protest against deforestation and land grabbing in Karura Forest, successfully stopping the developer-led destruction. However, by 2008, the forest had become known for criminal activities, largely driven by socio-economic challenges faced by nearby communities.
On April 2, 2008, after extensive efforts by Alice Macaire, wife of the British High Commissioner Rob Macaire, a meeting between the Kenya Forest Service, Friends of Karura Forest, UNEP, and community representatives launched the "Karura Forest Safe and Secure" initiative. This initiative later developed into the Friends of Karura Forest Community Forest Association, dedicated to transforming the forest into a protected public space that also provided employment opportunities for local communities.
Prof. Maathai served as Honorary Chair (later Patron) of the initiative, promoting conservation and environmental education for all visitors. Around this time, Shell Kenya, facing safety concerns, agreed to convert their adjacent sports club into an environmental education center. The Ministries of Lands, Environment, and Forestry, along with UNEP under the leadership of Dr. Achim Steiner, lent strong support to this transformation.
On October 16, 2010, the Karura Forest Environmental Education Trust (KFEET) was officially established. Founding members included Jimmy Mugerwa representing Shell Kenya, Prof. Wangari Maathai for the Green Belt Movement, Alice Macaire for Friends of Karura Forest, D.K. Mbugua for Kenya Forest Service, and Rajesh Devchand Shah for Oshwal Education & Relief Board. Prof. Maathai was appointed the inaugural Chair of the Trust.
The Trustees appointed Rajesh Devchand Shah as Chair of the Managing Committee, tasked with overseeing and managing the operations of the new education center.
The Karura Forest Environmental Education Trust (KFEET) aims to create a Premier Environmental Education Centre that will strive:
on the multiple values of Karura Forest Reserve and raise awareness on the critical role that Kenyan natural habitats, including forests, play towards attaining sustainable development and achieving Vision 2030. It will educate all visitors on greener lifestyles, including sustainable house practices and healthier cuisine.
in our approach to environmental education with programmes and exhibitions catering to children of all ages, nursery to secondary.
A new purpose built facility will be required to host the various components of the education centre. In keeping with the primary purpose of the Centre which is conservation and preservation, the following points should be considered whilst designing the new facility:
Use low environmental impact materials. For example, cement that has a high in-built energy contents will be discouraged whilst wood from well managed plantations should be encouraged.
Above all the Centre and the exhibits should provide a well-rounded and lasting experience for all visitors. Aspire to inspire.
The Karura Forest Environmental Education Trust — KFEET — was established in 2010 to promote environmental education and provide a centre for learning about forest ecosystems.
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