Nairobi: The government has taken significant steps to rejuvenate the Mau forest complex by launching an integrated conservation and livelihoods programme. This initiative aims to protect Kenya's largest water tower while simultaneously enhancing the economic well-being of the local communities.
According to Kenya News Agency, Environment and Climate Change PS Eng. Festus Ng'eno emphasized the Mau's strategic importance during an event at Bararget forest in Kuresoi North Sub-County. Ng'eno highlighted that the forest is the source of 12 rivers feeding Lake Turkana, Lake Victoria, and Lake Nakuru, among other water bodies. He stated, "The Mau is an irreplaceable ecological asset. Its conservation is not just a policy decision but a matter of national survival."
The programme, which is set to be officially launched on October 24, has already commenced with the planting of over 20,000 tree seedlings. This planting exercise will continue every Friday and aims to restore 3,800 hectares, equivalent to 4 million tree seedlings, in its first phase.
This initiative distinguishes itself from traditional reforestation programmes by integrating livelihoods support to ensure long-term sustainability. Farmers in the surrounding counties will receive potato, avocado, and tea seedlings for commercial farming, aiming to reduce pressure on the forest and promote economic growth. Ng'eno emphasized, "This is not just about planting trees; it is about integrating conservation with livelihoods. Communities must be part of the solution," and called for more partners to join the effort.
The Mau Forest Complex covers Nakuru, Kericho, Bomet, and Narok counties, with blocks in Molo, Njoro, Kuresoi North, and Kuresoi South in Nakuru County. Of its 22 blocks, most are managed by the Kenya Forest Service, while the Maasai Mau block is co-managed with local communities.
Additional measures, including de-silting of dams, will complement the programme by enhancing water storage and climate resilience. Ng'eno further stated, "Climate change demands permanent solutions. By acting now, we can conserve the Mau and secure water, food, and livelihoods for generations."
The Mau Forest Complex, East Africa's largest indigenous forest and a critical water catchment area, has experienced decades of deforestation due to illegal logging, settlement, and encroachment. Successive governments have initiated evictions, forest reclamation, and rehabilitation drives. The new integrated approach signifies a shift towards combining conservation with livelihood improvement, ensuring that communities become co-owners in the protection of this vital ecosystem.