Nairobi: The Government of Kenya, through the National Environment Trust Fund (NETFUND), has launched a Sh667 million project aimed at restoring the endangered Cherangany Forest Ecosystem. Dubbed ‘The Restoration and Sustainable Management of the Cherangany Forest Ecosystem and Improved Livelihood Project,’ the initiative also receives funding from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation. It targets over 1,000 smallholder farmers in Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties, who are to plant 18 million trees over three years.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Barasa, presided over the launch at Chebara Agricultural Training Centre, affirming the government’s commitment to environmental restoration. “The government is committed to strengthening partnerships for restoring the country’s precious but endangered forest ecosystems,” Dr. Barasa said, expressing gratitude to development partners and NETFUND for spearheading the initiative. She urged all Kenyans to participate actively in the restoration efforts, emphasizing that every action matters.
Italian Deputy Ambassador, Lorenza Maria Gambacorta, emphasized Italy’s commitment to supporting climate resilience in Kenya. “We are proud to be part of this initiative. This reflects Italy’s political and financial dedication to tackling the global challenge of climate change,” said Gambacorta, revealing Italy’s approval and funding of two projects in Kenya valued at 224 million Euros, and expressing optimism for the Cherangany restoration’s success.
Elgeyo Marakwet County Governor Wesley Rotich lauded the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation for the generous grant and appealed for greater community involvement in forest management. “I urge the CS to ensure our people are at the heart of this project. Local communities must be part of the solution,” Governor Rotich said.
The project aims to plant 18 million trees and is anchored on four pillars: strengthening forest governance, producing certified high-quality seedlings, promoting sustainable land-use practices, and raising public awareness to mobilize community and private sector support. The Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Eng. Fetus Ng’eno, highlighted the project’s objective to assist farmers in engaging in sustainable farming practices while conserving forests.
NETFUND Chief Executive Officer Samson Toniok stressed the significance of the project in bolstering climate resilience and economic growth, stating, “Restoration of this ecosystem is crucial for our economy and future generations. We are committed to a coordinated approach involving all stakeholders.”
The initiative aligns with President William Ruto’s ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032, a flagship project under the government’s climate action agenda. Principal Secretary for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands Department and Regional Development, Kello Harsama, revealed that the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) has already planted 13.5 million trees and pledged continued support for the program.
NETFUND will oversee the project implementation in collaboration with the county governments of Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot, Kenya Forestry Research Institute, Kenya Forest Service, and various community organizations. The Cherangany Forest, a critical water catchment and biodiversity hotspot, has suffered from decades of degradation. This project is expected to significantly reverse deforestation trends while boosting local livelihoods and climate resilience.