Mau Forest Restoration Gets Fresh Push as Communities Embrace Conservation and Livelihoods
By Shadrack Mutai – Nairobi, Kenya
MFC-ICLIP Second Edition Set for October 3 Kick-Off
The government has stepped up preparations for the second edition of the Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme (MFC-ICLIP), with local communities reaffirming their commitment to forest conservation.
Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng’eno, CBS, visited Tulwet in Kuresoi South as part of preparations for the programme’s official kick-off scheduled for October 3, 2026. Ng’eno was accompanied by Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi, Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko, and Kipkelion East MP Joseph Cherorot.
The team engaged residents on progress made under MFC-ICLIP and the need for stronger community participation in restoring and protecting the Mau Forest Complex.
Residents welcomed the programme, saying conservation interventions were beginning to translate into improved livelihoods.
Milk production soars
A key success story highlighted during the visit was the Milkwen Cooperative Society Dairy Cooler, where farmers said daily milk volumes have increased from about 400 litres to 2,000 litres.
The newly established Keringet milk cooler is also collecting approximately 600 litres of milk daily, providing farmers with a reliable market while creating additional economic opportunities.
Ng’eno said forest conservation must be accompanied by programmes that enable communities living around forests to benefit economically.
He cited the Tree Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (TELIS) as an important intervention that allows communities to combine food production with tree growing.
The PS said such programmes can help increase tree cover while improving household incomes and strengthening community ownership of forest conservation.
Buffer zones planned
The government is also working with the Nyayo Tea Zones Development Corporation to establish and strengthen buffer zones around the Mau Forest Complex.
The buffer zones are expected to provide a sustainable interface between the forest, agricultural activities and surrounding communities while helping to reduce pressure on the ecosystem.
The second edition of MFC-ICLIP will build on the gains made during the first phase, with a greater focus on linking forest restoration, climate action and community livelihoods.
The government has continued to emphasise community participation as a key pillar in efforts to restore the Mau Forest Complex and protect it for future generations.
