KAJIADO-Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to large-scale ecosystem restoration and climate resilience, with renewed focus on the rehabilitation of Ngong Forest during the commemoration of the International Day of Forests at Oloolua Forest in Kajiado County.
Speaking during the event, Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary, Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng’eno, underscored the critical role forests play in sustaining life, supporting livelihoods, and anchoring Kenya’s climate action agenda. He noted that forests remain vital natural assets, serving as water towers, biodiversity reservoirs, and key drivers of green growth.
The PS highlighted that the restoration of Ngong Forest, including the Oloolua ecosystem, is a strategic investment not only in environmental conservation but also in water security and urban resilience for the greater Nairobi metropolitan region. He emphasized that protecting such ecosystems is essential for the well-being of current and future generations.
Dr. Ng’eno pointed to the Government’s ambitious 15 Billion Trees Growing Programme as a cornerstone of national restoration efforts, aimed at restoring millions of hectares of degraded landscapes by 2032. However, he stressed that the initiative goes beyond tree planting, focusing on sustainable ecosystem restoration, community participation, and long-term impact.
He cited the success of the Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme (MFC-ICLIP) as a model for integrated restoration. The programme, under his leadership, has already restored significant areas of degraded land, supported local livelihoods, and created employment opportunities demonstrating that conservation and economic development can go hand in hand.
The PS noted that the Ngong Forest restoration initiative is building on this model by prioritizing community involvement, particularly among youth and women, and promoting nature-based enterprises such as agroforestry and tree nurseries.
He also commended ongoing efforts to mobilize resources and partnerships, including recent fundraising activities and upcoming initiatives aimed at scaling restoration efforts. These collaborations, he said, reflect growing commitment across government, the private sector, and development partners to invest in nature-based solutions.
On his part, Irrigation Principal Secretary and Oloolua Forest CARE Patron, Ephantus Kimotho, reaffirmed his commitment to the protection and restoration of Oloolua Forest through a structured and integrated approach under the Oloolua Forest CARE initiative. “We have planted and distributed over 5,000 trees as part of our efforts to restore the Oloolua ecosystem,” he said.
PS Kimotho noted that he is encouraged by the strong partnerships and support demonstrated towards fencing 25 kilometres covering 663 hectares of Oloolua Forest. He described this milestone as a significant step in securing the ecosystem, enhancing groundwater recharge, and protecting vital habitats for diverse species.
Dr. Ng’eno also called for strengthened partnerships and accelerated implementation to meet national targets, emphasizing that collective action is key to achieving meaningful and lasting impact. “As we mark the International Day of Forests, we must move from commitment to action,” he said. “The responsibility to restore, protect, and sustainably manage our forests lies with all of us.”
The event brought together government officials, development partners, community groups, and environmental stakeholders, reinforcing a unified national push towards sustainable forest management and climate resilience.
Among those present were WWF Kenya CEO Jackson Kiplagat, David Muratha (World Bank), Lydia Munyi representing the Kajiado County Commissioner, Joyce Thuku representing KFS CCF, Members of the County Assembly, among other stakeholders. #InternationalDayOfForests #ForestsAndEconomies
