• Chebet has dedicated herself to shining a spotlight on the lesser-known aspects of biodiversity in her home country of Kenya.

As a second-year mass communication student at Kabarak University, Caroline Chebet is already making waves in environmental journalism. She has dedicated herself to shining a spotlight on the lesser-known aspects of biodiversity in her home country of Kenya.

While many journalists are drawn to charismatic megafauna like lions and elephants, Chebet has chosen to delve deeper, uncovering the stories of the "smaller wonders" and "unsung heroes" of the natural world. Her work celebrates the web of life that sustains Kenya's diverse ecosystems, from the disappearing birds to the resilient tortoises.

In 2022, Chebet's groundbreaking investigation into the trafficking of African grey parrots exposed the complex criminal networks and policy loopholes that enabled the exploitation of this endangered species. Her hard-hitting reporting prompted immediate action from the Kenyan government, which banned the ownership of unregistered parrots.

"Caroline reports on less highlighted biodiversity issues, and her work has had a real impact on policies and regulations in Kenya," praised Joydeep Gupta, the India Manager of the Earth Journalism Network (EJN) which provided Chebet with necessary support and training.

The Earth Journalism Network's 20th anniversary held in Palo Alto, California where Caroline Chebet was awarded the Excellence in Biodiversity reporting.

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Despite being based outside the capital city of Nairobi, Chebet has leveraged EJN's resources to amplify the stories of Kenya's regional ecosystems. She believes journalists working in these areas have a unique opportunity to shed light on environmental issues that are often overlooked by national media.

"Through EJN's unwavering support, I realized the immense potential I have as a journalist working outside a major city center," Chebet said. "They empowered me to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard, stories that matter deeply."

Chebet's passion for environmental journalism is fueled by a deep appreciation for the "tiny stories" that often get drowned out by the noise of the modern world. Her work celebrates the intricate tapestry of life that sustains our planet, from the fragile balance of a frog-filled wetland to the resilience of a flourishing mangrove forest.

As Chebet continues her academic and journalistic pursuits, her commitment to amplifying the untold stories of Kenya's biodiversity inspires young storytellers everywhere. By shining a light on the "smaller wonders" of the natural world, she is making the way for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the fragile ecosystems that we all depend on.