Kenyan businessman and conservationist Humphrey Kariuki Ndegwa has been named a Patron of Nature by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), becoming the first African to receive the prestigious title. The announcement was made on Friday, October 10, with Kariuki expressing deep gratitude for the recognition.
“I am deeply honoured to join IUCN as a Patron of Nature, the first African to hold this role,” Kariuki stated. “It is a privilege and responsibility to champion Africa’s natural wealth and ensure nature remains at the heart of global priorities.”
The Patron of Nature designation is one of IUCN’s highest honorary titles, awarded to individuals who have shown exceptional leadership and long-term commitment to global conservation. The recognition celebrates contributions made through policy, philanthropy, science, or advocacy that have had a lasting impact on the environment.
In his new role, Kariuki will leverage his influence, networks, and public profile to promote IUCN’s mission of biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural resource use. He will also play an active part in raising awareness, mobilising resources, and representing the organisation at key global events such as the World Conservation Congress.
Kariuki joins a distinguished list of Patrons of Nature that includes Prince Albert II of Monaco, Prince Carl Philip of Sweden, Queen Noor Al Hussein of Jordan, and Dona Bertarelli. He is also the second Kenyan to be accorded this honour after the late Richard Leakey.
Kariuki is best known for his leadership of the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC), which runs the renowned Mountain Bongo breeding and rewilding programme, alongside initiatives in habitat restoration and community education.
Founded in 1948, the IUCN is the world’s oldest and largest global environmental network, headquartered in Gland, Switzerland, with regional offices across Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas.
