Mau Restoration Gains Momentum as Partners, Leaders, and Youth Rally Behind Conservation Marathon

By Shadrack Mutai || Kass Digital

 

Efforts to restore the Mau Forest are gaining momentum as partners, government leaders, and community members step up to support Kenya’s largest water tower.

 

According to Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Eng. Festus Ngeno, the Mau Forest Conservation and Integrated Community Livelihood Improvement Programme (MFC–ICLIP) is designed to ensure long-term, community-led restoration of the Mau ecosystem.

 

 

Dr. Ngeno said the programme will run for the next ten years, focusing on sustainability through strong community participation and partnerships across all levels of government and society.

 

Structured Restoration and Community Ownership

 

Dr. Ngeno explained that the forest has been divided into blocks for adoption, allowing individuals, institutions, and organizations to take responsibility for specific areas. With KSh 2 million, a partner can adopt 10 hectares, equivalent to 10,000 trees.

 

So far, 132 hectares have been restored and fenced under what has been named the Dr. Eng. Festus Ngeno Block. Fencing continues to secure the young trees as local communities take the lead in nurturing and maintaining the restored areas.

 

The PS emphasized that empowering local communities is key to long-term success, noting that residents already possess homegrown solutions that can strengthen conservation outcomes.

 

Appeal to Partners: 2.2 Million Seedlings Ready

 

Dr. Ngeno revealed that the programme has already mapped out 2.2 million seedlings ready for planting across the Mau ecosystem. Most of these seedlings have been raised by local youth groups, linking conservation directly to income generation.

 

He appealed to development partners, corporate organizations, and well-wishers to support the initiative by purchasing seedlings from the youth. This, he said, will not only accelerate restoration but also empower young people economically.

 

Nakuru County Leadership Backs the Initiative

 

The PS commended the Nakuru County leadership for fully endorsing and taking charge of the Mau Restoration Programme within the county.

 

He noted that on Friday, the county will lead a tree-growing campaign across 104 primary schools, spearheaded by Sub-County MPs. This, he said, demonstrates strong political commitment and collaboration between local leadership and the Ministry in advancing environmental restoration.

 

Mau Conservation Marathon: Running for Restoration

 

Dr. Ngeno highlighted the upcoming Mau Conservation Marathon, scheduled for 24th October, as a key event in mobilizing national awareness and participation in conservation.

 

He described the marathon as more than a sporting event — a platform for every Kenyan to contribute to restoration efforts. The event will now be held annually to sustain engagement and strengthen collective responsibility for the environment.

 

The Way Forward

 

Dr. Ngeno reaffirmed that the Mau Restoration initiative is a long-term commitment that will be sustained for at least a decade. He said the MFC–ICLIP will continue to be community-driven, ensuring that conservation efforts translate into better livelihoods for the people living around the forest.

 

He added that with strong collaboration among government agencies, partners, and the public, the Mau ecosystem will steadily recover and remain a vital national resource for generations to come.