At just 13 years old, a Kenyan environmental advocate is quietly building a reputation for consistency, commitment and action — inspired by a family legacy rooted in conservation.
Milan’s journey began under the guidance of her grandmother, Jane Mwonga, a retired civil servant who previously worked with the Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (TARDA). The state agency is mandated to protect ecosystems along the Tana and Athi river basins.
Through her work, Ms Mwonga exposed her granddaughter to environmental conservation at an early age, planting the seeds of a lifelong passion.
That influence took shape during a tree-planting exercise at Dandora Waterfalls along the Nairobi River, organised by the Trees for Environmental Knowledge (TEK) initiative. After attending the event, Ms Mwonga registered as a TEK member and requested to involve her then five-year-old granddaughter.
“I am proud of my grand daughter for this inspiring journey of caring for the environment,” Ms Mwonga said. “I believe her efforts will inspire other children and even adults to plant trees equivalent to their age.”
Since then, Milan has taken part in conservation and tree-planting activities across the country, including in Nairobi, Narok, Eldoret, Nandi, Kwale, Machakos and Murang’a counties. What began as weekend participation has grown into a sustained national effort.
With the support of her grandmother and TEK, Milan has participated in activities in at least 32 counties. She sets herself an annual goal of planting seedlings equivalent to her age — often surpassing it. So far, she has planted an estimated 1,680 trees, with a target of 500 seedlings each year.
TEK leaders say her dedication reflects the values championed by the late Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai, whose environmental activism continues to inspire younger generations.
Beyond tree planting, Milan is a Brownie scout, a movement that promotes leadership, patriotism and environmental responsibility. Teachers and guide leaders say her involvement has helped build confidence, critical thinking and innovation skills.
Her growing profile has also opened new opportunities, with production companies approaching her for advertising roles, though details remain undisclosed.
Plans are now underway for Milan to represent schoolchildren at the upcoming United Nations climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, where organisers hope she will amplify the voices of children affected by climate change — particularly those living in informal settlements.
Supporters say her motivation is rooted in the belief that while environmental destruction often affects future generations, meaningful change begins with small, deliberate actions today.
By leading through example, they say, Milan is encouraging her peers and adults to see environmental conservation not as an abstract idea, but as a shared responsibility.
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