The Green Belt Movement, The Rockefeller Foundation, and the Kenya Community Development Foundation have announced the inauguration of the Wangari Maathai Scholarship Fund. The fund, according to a statement, seeks to encourage and promote a youth-led sustainable development agenda by encouraging creativity and dedication to environmental issues.

According to the statement, the scholarship fund would be awarded annually, adding that the first set would be granted during the 2013 academic year.

Speaking during the launch held in Nairobi, Director, International Affairs at the Green Belt Movement, Wanjira Mathai, explained: "There is no greater gift than that of a good education. Giving young women the opportunity to realise their full potential enables them to transform their lives, that of their families and ultimately the living standards of their communities.

"For the Green Belt Movement, the fund's focus on environmental issues is critical as our environment sustains all life forms and provides a foundation for development. One of our core fundamentals as an organisation is a focus on values."