Wanjira Mathai, the daughter of renowned environmentalist Prof Wangari Maathai, was on Friday, April 14, named among the 100 most influential people in the world.
In the annual 100 Most Influential People of 2023 ranking by Time Magazine, Mathai was recognised for her work in helping Kenyan communities through initiatives aimed at land restoration and forestry.
In an essay for Time Magazine, Bezos Earth Fund President Andrew Steer noted that her initiatives, which were described as magic, had uplifted local communities in Africa.
Further, she was also celebrated for empowering women in business through the use of renewable energy.
Mathai aims to help the African continent recover 100 million hectares of land through various environmentally friendly projects.
During her recognition, her profile and work were documented by Steer. Mathai serves as an advisor to the foundation.
"For over a decade, I have watched Wanjira work her magic in rural communities and international halls of power alike. Throughout, she has focused on the restoration of land, livelihoods, and communities.
"She is shaping NGO and philanthropic work on the continent, directing attention, research, and funding to help the most climate-vulnerable places and communities," Steer documented.
The Bezos Earth Fund was established in 2020 to combat climate change and protect nature after the world's third richest man committed Ksh1.3 trillion ($10 billion).
"We aim to harness the best of human ingenuity, adaptability, and collective action to create a future in which everyone can thrive," reads a description of the fund on its website.
Mathai currently serves as the Managing Director of Africa and Global Partnership at the World Resource Institute (WRI).
Previously, she served as a member of the advisory council of the World Future Council and as chairperson of the Wangari Maathai Foundation.
Apart from her work in NGOs, she is also a scholar and holds a Master of Business Administration in International Health and Marketing.
Mathai was the only Kenyan on the list that contained renowned global leaders such as US President Joe Biden and Argentina footballer Lionel Messi.
Other people included in the 2023 most influential list were pop star Beyonce, UK's King Charles, actress Salma Hayek and Wakanda Forever actor Micheal B Jordan.
