Nakuru: The government is set to plant more than 40 million trees and rehabilitate rivers and wetlands at the Mau Forest, courtesy of the Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme (MCF-ICLIP). The Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Festus Ng'eno, stated that a ten-year plan has been developed through the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry to restore the Mau Forest Complex.
According to Kenya News Agency, the initiative aims to transform the country's largest water tower into a climate-resilient ecosystem that provides sustainable water, food, and energy security while supporting thousands of green jobs. The interventions are expected to restore 33,138 hectares of forest by 2035, with the MCF-ICLIP plan progressing through weekly tree planting drives that have seen 160,000 seedlings planted in Eastern Mau over the past month.
Speaking during the launch of the Mau Conservation Marathon in Nakuru, Dr. Ng'eno emphasized that the government is mobilizing resources to conserve the water tower through a multi-faceted approach. This includes government funding, private-public partnerships, community involvement, and enforcement measures. The MCF-ICLIP programme, operating under the motto 'Linda Mau, Boresha Maisha' (Protect Mau, Improve Livelihoods), targets threats such as illegal logging and unsustainable land use through an integrated, multi-stakeholder approach.
The inaugural Mau Complex Marathon, scheduled for October 24, 2022, will be a platform for Kenya to promote environmental conservation and climate action, with President William Ruto expected to inaugurate the MCF-ICLIP plan. The marathon will also foster a connection between people and nature, offering a venue for raising funds for conservation efforts and promoting environmental awareness.
Dr. Ng'eno disclosed that the MCF-ICLIP initiative, estimated at Sh21.5 billion, targets several forest blocks and adjacent farmlands, covering 317,115 hectares. He highlighted that the programme is a collective effort involving various stakeholders, including county governments, private sector players, and local communities. The creation of a Mau Water Fund and regular partners' coordination forums are planned to support long-term financing and accountability.
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika affirmed the Mau Forest Complex's ecological and socioeconomic significance, while noting the severe degradation it faces due to human activities and climate change. She pointed to threats like illegal charcoal production and overgrazing, and emphasized the programme's role in restoring landscapes, supporting nature-positive enterprises, and promoting a circular economy for green job creation.
Njoro MP Kathambi Chepkwony advocated for greater community involvement in conservation efforts, suggesting that locals benefit from initiatives such as ecotourism and sustainable income generation projects. Kuresoi North MP Alfred Mutai called for enhanced forest conservation initiatives, focusing on strengthening laws, boosting community participation, and promoting reforestation.
The restoration of the Mau Forest is expected to secure steady water flows into key rivers, support agricultural productivity, and bolster tourism, benefiting the national economy.