Gov’t signs deal to restore Ngong Forest, boost community livelihoods

The government has signed a framework agreement with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to restore Ngong Forest while enhancing community livelihoods through conservation-linked initiatives.

Principal Secretary for Irrigation Ephantus Kimotho and Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko signed the agreement on Thursday, marking what officials described as “a significant milestone in advancing sustainable forest management and climate resilience under the Ngong Forest Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme (ICLIP).”                        

Ngong Forest, which comprises three blocks: Oloolua, Kibiko and Ngong Hills, is expected to benefit from the partnership that seeks to restore degraded ecosystems while integrating community-driven approaches to conservation.

A key component of the framework is large-scale tree planting and forest restoration, including the establishment of a modern tree nursery with a capacity of 1 million seedlings and the planting of 350,000 trees over the next three years.

The initiative will also include strategic fencing to protect rehabilitated areas, as highlighted during a recent resource mobilisation dinner where stakeholders committed funds towards fencing 23 kilometres out of the targeted 25 kilometres of Oloolua Forest.

Restoration efforts are already underway, with activities launched during the International Day of Forests on March 21, where 3,000 trees were planted, and 2,000 fruit trees donated to surrounding communities.

To further drive public participation, organisers have scheduled a marathon on April 25 to rally stakeholders and citizens around environmental conservation.

The framework also places strong emphasis on improving livelihoods for communities living around the forest through initiatives such as beekeeping and the establishment of modern tree nurseries.

“These interventions are designed to empower surrounding communities while reducing reliance on forest resources,” stated PS Kimotho.

Additional measures under the programme include borehole development to enhance water security, rollout of clean cooking solutions to reduce deforestation, installation of solar systems to promote renewable energy, and strengthening of Mazingira Clubs to promote environmental stewardship among young people.

The project will be implemented under strict environmental and social safeguards, with KFS leading the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) process alongside public participation to ensure transparency, sustainability and community ownership.