Young environmental activist in Kenya writes book, launches nonprofit, runs for office
By that time, we learned the River Mara was quickly drying up. It barely existed in the dry season. I went back to reminisce about my childhood. When I arrived, the river contained very little water. The sun felt heavy, and the earth looked brittle. Seeing this broke my heart.
- 2 years ago
March 22, 2023
Through her organisation, Anita Soina teaches young people the importance of planting trees. | Photo courtesy of Anita Soina
NAIROBI, Kenya — I grew up in the Maasai Community, in Kenya. As a child, I swam in the river Mara every season, even when it rained. We used the river’s water for chores, such as cleaning. I used to fetch my grandfather cans of water so he could nourish the trees around our home. My grandfather remained environmentally conscious. I spent most of my with him as a child, and learned from his values. Nature became sacred to me.
When I discovered the effects of global warming and pollution on the river and around Kenya, my heart sunk. I felt an anger inside me that turned into a motivation to fight. At only 22 years old, I have written a book on the topic called Green War and launched an environmental conservation organization. Through these projects, I have raised awareness on a crucial issue, and hope to inspire true and lasting change.
Read more stories from inspiring environmental activists at Orato World Media
Pollution and climate change ravaged my home
Growing up, we lived in a pastoral community that did not embrace modern methods of cooking. We burned trees as our primary source of fuel. It hurt to see, because I cared so deeply for the environment. From my time in the scouts, I learned to plant and care for trees. Between high school and university, I joined different mentorship programs to acquire more knowledge on sustainable development. The classes filled me with adrenaline and ambition. I felt stimulated and inspired to work in environmental conservation.
By that time, we learned the River Mara was quickly drying up. It barely existed in the dry season. I went back to reminisce about my childhood. When I arrived, the river contained very little water. The sun felt heavy, and the earth looked brittle. Seeing this broke my heart.
I attached so many memories to this beautiful place. I still see myself as a child, swimming under the rain. The river felt so full, as droplets hit the top of our heads and we floated on our backs. Now, people don’t even need a bridge to cross it. Children no longer swim there. Mau Forest, a water catchment area in the region, became endangered through deforestation to create land space for human living.
Partnering up with strong leaders to fight for change
As a climate activist, I knew I could not do it alone. I founded Spice Warriors, an environmental preservation organization. Through social media platforms, I talked about the initiative and reached people around the globe. It allowed me to form a community of young individuals who want to join the cause. We put together projects, along with educational classes. I wanted to raise awareness on the current state of the climate, and how we needed to fight now.
In urban Cities, most organizations cut down entire forests to create more space for buildings. They care very little about the consequences their actions have on the environment. When I started Spice Warriors, our country already faced threats of severe drought, unpredictable weather, and flooding. During the lockdown, in 2020, I wrote short articles for my website on climate change that eventually turned into a book, The Green War. In it, I describe my journey and the challenges I faced as an activist. Though I felt I was on the right track, I still wanted to do more.
In 2022, I decided to vie for a seat in parliament in Kenya’s 2022 General Election. I felt our political leaders were not listening. While my first election attempt was unsuccessful, I remain motivated. A senator, Moses Otieno Kajwang, took notice of my efforts and invited me to join his project to educate Kenyan legislators on the environment.
In addition, I got into contact with many environmentalists in Uganda and Germany who run on green platforms to help our cause. Climate change is real. It is no longer something we worry about in the distant future. My wish is for every leader to take notice and action. We must come together and find alternative solutions to the pollution we are responsible for.
