Patron of the Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme, Dr Festus Ng'eno.
The government has unveiled a new Sh21.5 billion project to restore and sustainably manage the Mau Forest Complex, Kenya’s largest water tower and a critical ecosystem in East Africa.
The initiative, known as the Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme (MCF-ICLIP), aims to enhance ecosystem functionality, improve community livelihoods and strengthen climate resilience across the Mau landscape.
Dr Festus Ng’eno, PS for Environment and Climate Change, who also serves as the programme’s patron, said the Mau is invaluable both nationally and regionally.
“The complex is estimated at Sh197 billion in ecosystem services and resources. It supports the livelihoods of surrounding communities and sustains iconic ecosystems such as the Maasai Mara and Serengeti,” Ng’eno said.
Covering 403,000 hectares, the Mau is East Africa’s largest Afro-montane forest, consisting of 22 forest blocks.
It is home to globally significant biodiversity and serves as the source of 12 major rivers that feed vital lakes, including Lake Natron, the breeding site for lesser flamingos.
Despite its importance, the forest faces threats from weak legislation, illegal logging and charcoal burning, overgrazing, poor farming practices and climate change. These challenges have led to forest loss, riparian land encroachment and water pollution.
The 10-year programme is structured around five components: sustainable landscape management, community livelihood improvement, circular economy, environmental education and research and governance and resource management.
Key interventions include restoring 33,138 hectares of degraded forest, rehabilitating 14 dams, protecting 40 springs and establishing 16 kilometres of socio-economic buffer zones. At least 668 hectares of wetlands and 100 kilometres of riparian ecosystems will also be restored.
Communities will benefit from alternative energy solutions, including 500 solar, biogas and energy-efficient stoves for households and renewable energy systems for schools.
The project will also support 50 green value chains in milk, potatoes and avocados, promote agroforestry on 143,000 hectares and create at least 10,000 green jobs.
The circular economy component will establish 100 waste recovery enterprises, three material recovery centres and distribute more than 2,000 waste bins to schools and communities.
To build awareness, 200 schools will establish 'mazingira' clubs, while 200 youth-led innovations will be promoted under the research and education pillar.
The programme will be officially launched on October 24, in Kuresoi North.
To raise awareness and rally support, organisers have also lined up the Mau Conservation marathon, featuring 21km, 10km, 5km and 2km races with cash prizes. Registration will be done online at a fee of Sh500.
