Kenya Forest Service

KFS participates in the Run for Rain Marathon in Kitui.

The inaugural Run for Rain Marathon was held today at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County, bringing together participants from across the country to raise awareness on the urgent need to support sustainable water solutions in Kitui’s dryland areas.

The marathon was graced by the Chief Guest, Harriet Chiggai, advisor to the president on women rights, alongside Kitui County Commissioner Mr. Erastus Mbuvi, Dr. Isaac Kalua of Green Africa Group, and Ms. Phoebe Mutemi, CECM for Sports, Kitui County.

As part of the event, the Kenya Forest Service led a ceremonial tree-planting exercise. Representing the CCF, Mr. Silvester Chisika, Senior Conservator from the office of National Tree Growing and Restoration Programme, KFS HQ, together with Kitui County Forest Conservator Mr. Christopher Kapula, led the exercise.

KFS is proud to support such initiatives that raise awareness on the critical link between tree growing, water security, and climate resilience. The initiative complements the Government’s 15 Billion Tree Growing Programme by encouraging collective action to restore landscapes, protect water catchments, and secure a greener future for Kenya.

CCF Tours Wajir Ahead of Historic Madaraka Day Celebrations

The Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr. Alex Lemarkoko, today toured Kenya Forest Service offices in Wajir County ahead of this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations, which will be hosted in the region for the first time in the country’s history.

Accompanied by senior KFS officers, including Commandant Mohammed A. Mohammed, the CCF met officers selected for the match-pass parade and encouraged them to represent the Service with professionalism and distinction during the national celebrations.

Mr. Lemarkoko also received a briefing from County Forest Conservator Mr. Samuel Ebeiwa on ongoing the progress in tree-growing programmes, seedling production efforts, and other conservation and landscape restoration activities being undertaken by the Service to enhance forest and tree cover in the arid and semi-arid region.

The visit forms part of ongoing engagements by the Kenya Forest Service leadership aimed at monitoring field operations, supporting staff, and strengthening the Service’s contribution to national development and environmental conservation.

Today KFS in partnership with Old Mutual Kenya led by Group CEO Arthur Oginga, joined representatives from WWF Kenya, Faulu Bank, State Department for Diaspora affair, County government of Bomet and Bomet University in a tree-planting exercise at Chepalungu Forest, Kapchumbe Block.

During the exercise, over 22,000 tree seedlings were planted as part of ongoing efforts to restore the degraded ecosystem and enhance environmental conservation.

The exercise forms part of a broader forest rehabilitation programme aimed at restoring Chepalungu Forest, which has experienced significant deforestation over the years.

Through strategic partnerships Old mutual committed to adopt and rehabilitate 100 ha for increased forest cover, and promote sustainable environment for future generations.

Tree Growing Round Up

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS), in collaboration with government agencies, community groups, learning institutions, private sector partners and conservation stakeholders, continued to advance the national 15 Billion Tree Growing Programme through extensive tree planting and restoration activities across the country during the week. Significant restoration efforts were undertaken in Kajiado, Narok, Embu, Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Kwale and West Pokot counties, targeting forest rehabilitation, enrichment planting, agroforestry, woodlot establishment and mangrove restoration.

The Western Conservancy recorded the highest planting figures with 83,050 trees planted, including 50,000 macadamia seedlings distributed to farmers in Bungoma South for on-farm agroforestry, 20,000 assorted indigenous trees planted in Kakamega, and additional restoration activities in Busia and Mt. Elgon. Mau Conservancy planted 14,590 assorted indigenous seedlings in Ngoben, Tendwet and Oldekesi sites in Narok County, while Eastern Conservancy planted 12,020 trees in Embu County through rehabilitation programmes supported by the Green Zones Development Support Project II.

Nairobi Conservancy activities in Kajiado County contributed 512 trees through rehabilitation, woodlot establishment and compound planting initiatives, while North Rift Conservancy planted ceremonial trees during the Participatory Forest Management Plan launch in West Pokot County.

Notable guests and partners who supported the activities included Mr. Constant Nyongeza and Mr. Constant Omari of GNP, the Deputy Director from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Climate Change, lecturers from Open Air University, Principal Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests Dr. Clement Ngoriareng, County Police Commander Madam Sheila Kadoge, CI Ambassa from the Police Headquarters Directorate of Reforms, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Army, Kenya Navy, Equity Bank, Absa Bank, Kenya National Highways Authority, Community Forest Associations, schools, teachers, students and local communities.

A major highlight of the week was the planting of 150,000 mangrove propagules and seedlings in Tsunza and Mwijala, Kwale County, led by KFS and partners as part of coastal ecosystem restoration efforts. These collective achievements continue to strengthen Kenya’s forest cover, enhance biodiversity conservation, support climate resilience and accelerate progress towards the national target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032.

County Project Coordination Committee Reviews GZDSP II Progress in Tharaka Nithi

The County Project Coordination Committee (CPCC) in Tharaka Nithi County convened to review the progress of the Green Zones Development Support Project Phase II (GZDSP II). The committee deliberated on the achievements realized so far, assessed the impact of the project within the county, and discussed strategies aimed at sustaining the gains achieved through the initiative.

Members of the committee appreciated the continued efforts and positive contribution of GZDSP II in promoting environmental conservation, agroforestry, and community livelihoods within the county. Discussions emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships, community participation, and sustainable management practices to ensure long-term impact.

The meeting also included field visits to Chuka Forest Station and agroforestry and woodlot farms in Maara and Chuka sub-counties. The visits provided an opportunity for the committee to witness ongoing project activities and interact with beneficiaries implementing agroforestry practices and farm forestry initiatives.

In attendance were the Assistant Regional Forest Conservator (ARFC) Eastern Region Mr. Stanley Marioko, Tharaka Nithi County Forest Conservator (CFC) Mr. Reuben Muigai, and representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Community Forest Associations (CFAs)and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

Kenya Forest Service acknowledges with appreciation the assent by H.E. President William Ruto to the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (National Assembly Bill No. 38 of 2025), thereby bringing the Act into law.

This milestone marks a significant advancement in strengthening Kenya’s forest governance framework and enhancing climate-responsive natural resource management systems.

The law enhances frameworks for forest conservation, restoration and sustainable use while aligning the sector with climate action priorities, biodiversity goals, the 15 Billion Tree Growing Programme and Kenya’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.

It also recognizes forests as critical natural assets supporting climate mitigation, carbon markets and green economic growth, while strengthening community participation and benefit-sharing mechanisms such as Payment for Ecosystem Services.

Further, the Act improves governance and institutional capacity in the forestry sector.

KFS will implement the Act in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, county governments, development partners, Community Forest Associations and other stakeholders.

KFS Participates in KEFRI Stakeholder Exhibition.

The Kenya Forest Service today participated in a stakeholder exhibition hosted by the Kenya Forest Research Institute at the Kenya Forest Service Headquarters, bringing together institutions and enterprises showcasing innovations that support reforestation, agroforestry, and environmental conservation.

During the exhibition, the Kenya Forest Service showcased a variety of fruit and commercial tree seedlings, including guava, avocado, mango, and passion fruit, alongside giant and solid bamboo species promoted for conservation and sustainable timber production. The Service noted that the seedlings are being distributed to communities and farmers in support of the national target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.

Other stakeholders also exhibited a wide range of innovations and value-added products supporting conservation and sustainable livelihoods. Bella Farm showcased forest honey, chamomile tea, and beeswax lip balm derived from sustainable farming and apiculture, while PRIFE displayed wellness and health technology products, including massage machines, and highlighted ongoing sandalwood research exploring its therapeutic and commercial potential.

The Kenya Forestry College presented an educational and technical exhibition focusing on plant health management. Laboratory technologist Peninah Kadenja demonstrated plant disease diagnosis and management, including guidance on the safe use of Ridomil fungicide in controlling seedling and root diseases. The exhibition reinforced the importance of collaboration among research institutions, government agencies, academia, and private sector players in advancing environmental restoration and sustainable livelihoods.

Launch of the Kapenguria Participatory Forest Management Plan and Signing of Forest Management Agreement

The Principal Senior Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests, Dr. Clement Ngoriareng, today launched the Kapenguria Participatory Forest Management Plan (2026–2031) and presided over the signing of a Forest Management Agreement (FMA) between the Kenya Forest Service and the Kapenguria Community Forest Association (KACOFA) during a colourful ceremony held at AIC Kapchila in Kapenguria Forest Station, West Pokot County.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Ngoriareng thanked community members and stakeholders for their patience, commitment, and cooperation throughout the development of the management plan. He noted that although the process had taken time, it was worthwhile as it provides a clear framework for sustainable forest management and equitable sharing of forest benefits.

He emphasized that communities living adjacent to forests play a critical role in conservation and should participate in forest management in a structured and responsible manner that safeguards forest resources for present and future generations. He encouraged members of KACOFA and other stakeholders to continue working closely with the Kenya Forest Service to restore degraded forest areas, increase tree planting efforts, and protect existing forest cover.

The Participatory Forest Management Plan derives its mandate from the Forest Conservation and Management Act and seeks to promote sustainable forest conservation, strengthen community participation, enhance stakeholder collaboration, support income-generating activities, promote ecotourism, and empower local communities on the importance of forests and environmental conservation.

Kapenguria Forest Station forms part of the western block of the Cherangany Hills Ecosystem and comprises two forest blocks: Kapkanyar and Chewoyet, both predominantly natural forests. The management plan will provide guidelines for addressing conservation challenges, protecting forest boundaries, enhancing biodiversity conservation, promoting ecotourism activities such as bird watching, and safeguarding cultural values associated with the forest.

Dr. Ngoriareng further called on all stakeholders to intensify efforts towards achieving the national tree-growing target and ensuring the long-term sustainability of forest resources.

Also present during the event were the West Pokot County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Environment, Regional Forest Conservator David Rono, County Forest Conservator Benjamin Kore, community leaders, and other stakeholders.