By Timothy Nzai | February 26, 2026
NAIROBI, KENYA – Festus K. Ng’eno, Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change and Patron of the Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme (MFC-ICLIP), chaired a Media and Partners Stocktake Meeting in Nairobi to review progress during the first phase of the programme and plan the way forward.
The session highlighted major achievements in forest restoration and community livelihoods within the Mau Forest Complex. To date, over 1.2 million tree seedlings have been planted across 1,200 hectares, with youth- and women-led nurseries playing a pivotal role in restoration efforts while generating income for local communities.
Through initiatives such as the Trees Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (TELIS), communities are combining tree planting with food farming to increase household earnings. The Adopt-a-Block Initiative has enhanced transparency and accountability by involving government institutions, private companies, and community groups in managing specific forest sections.
Dr. Ng’eno noted that the programme, launched in October 2025 by President William Samoei Ruto, is a long-term initiative built on strong partnerships. He urged stakeholders to accelerate implementation, improve coordination, and maintain collaboration as preparations continue for the second edition scheduled for July 4, 2026, emphasizing that forest restoration and community livelihoods must advance together for sustainable outcomes.
The meeting brought together development partners, senior government officials, county leaders, Members of Parliament, and diplomats from Malaysia, the Czech Republic, Australia, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands. Among those present were Principal Secretaries Dr. Jane Imbunya, Ephantus Kimotho, Dr. Ouma Oluga, Ummi Bashir, and Alex Lemarkoko, as well as Hon. Alfred Mutai, MP for Kuresoi North, reflecting growing global support for Kenya’s forest restoration and conservation efforts.
