KENYA SEEKS PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENTS TO RESTORE DEGRADED LANDSCAPES

 By Faith wanza mueni 

Photo: Gitonga Mugambi principal secretary state department for forestry 

Nairobi, July 22 – The government has stepped up efforts to mobilise investments and strategic partnerships aimed at restoring degraded landscapes, enhancing climate resilience and unlocking economic opportunities within the forestry sector.

Speaking during the Roundtable Breakfast Forum on Forestry Improvement in Kenya, State Department for Forestry Principal Secretary Mugambi Gitonga said Kenya's drylands and coastal ecosystems hold enormous untapped potential that can significantly contribute to sustainable development, biodiversity conservation and economic transformation.

Gitonga noted that Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) account for approximately 89 per cent of Kenya's landmass and contain rich natural resources, unique flora and fauna that support livelihoods, tourism and ecological stability.

"Today's forum presents an opportunity for us to collectively share and reflect on the untapped opportunities found in our dryland and coastal ecosystems and forge pathways towards restoring these vital landscapes for the benefit of current and future generations," said the PS.

He observed that despite their immense contribution to the economy and the well-being of millions of Kenyans, the landscapes continue to face challenges including land degradation, deforestation, biodiversity loss, invasive species, desertification and recurrent droughts exacerbated by climate change.

The Principal Secretary said the government remains committed to reversing these trends through the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Strategy (2023-2032), which targets restoration of approximately 10.6 million hectares of degraded landscapes.

"We have developed a visionary roadmap aimed at restoring degraded landscapes while contributing significantly towards achieving tree cover targets. This strategy seeks not only to restore ecosystems but also to spur economic growth, create green jobs, improve food security and strengthen community resilience," he said.

Gitonga emphasised that the ambitious restoration agenda cannot be achieved by government alone, calling for a whole-of-society approach involving county governments, development partners, research institutions, civil society organisations, local communities and the private sector.

"The installation of drylands and mangrove ecosystems is not merely an environmental undertaking. It is an investment in climate action, economic growth, poverty reduction, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development," Gitonga added.

During the forum, the State Department for Forestry unveiled several flagship projects aimed at accelerating investments in forest restoration and climate resilience.

Among them is the Strengthening Climate Resilience through Agroforestry and Green Value Chain Development (SCRA-GCVD) project estimated to cost EUR25 million, equivalent to about Sh3.5 billion.

The six-year programme, set to run between 2027 and 2033 across 23 high-potential and semi-humid counties, seeks to plant 230 million agroforestry trees on smallholder farms and establish 23 certified mega tree nurseries.

The project further aims at increasing household incomes from tree-based enterprises by at least 30 per cent while strengthening institutional coordination and policy support in the agroforestry sector.

Presentations at the forum also highlighted the Management, Control and Utilisation of Prosopis Species project, targeting the invasive Mathenge plant that has negatively affected several counties.

According to the presentation, Prosopis biomass and its equivalent charcoal value currently represent a significant but under-utilised economic resource estimated at approximately Sh54 billion across affected counties.

The initiative is expected to restore about 15,000 hectares of invaded land, improve rangeland productivity, increase household incomes through Prosopis-based value chains and improve livelihoods for agro-pastoralists, women and youth groups.

Another major intervention unveiled was the Integrated Mangrove Restoration Initiative, a five-year programme estimated at Sh3.5 billion.

The initiative seeks to restore 7,000 hectares of degraded mangrove ecosystems across five coastal counties, establish at least ten mega mangrove nurseries and create approximately 10,000 green jobs.

Officials said the programme would also support nature-based enterprises and promote value addition of mangrove-based products while ensuring restoration efforts are guided by ecosystem recovery and survival rates.

The forum further reviewed progress under the government's flagship 15 Billion Tree Growing Programme, which aims to increase Kenya's national tree cover to above 30 per cent by 2032.

According to figures presented, Kenya has so far recorded the planting of more than 1.79 billion trees through contributions from government institutions, communities, counties, the private sector and individual citizens.

The Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) has also collected 260 metric tonnes of quality tree seeds, distributed 160 metric tonnes to counties and stakeholders and retained 100 metric tonnes for future planting seasons.

Gitonga said the forestry sector remains critical in achieving Kenya's climate commitments and socio-economic transformation agenda.

"Together, we can unlock green investments, create jobs for youth and women, strengthen climate resilience, enhance biodiversity and transform degraded landscapes into productive ecosystems that support sustainable livelihoods," Gitonga said.

The Principal Secretary urged stakeholders to take advantage of emerging investment opportunities in forestry, noting that the initiatives align with the Constitution of Kenya 2010, Vision 2030, the National Forest Policy and Kenya's international climate commitments.

The State Department also announced upcoming sector events, including the World Mangrove Day celebrations scheduled for July 26 in Lamu County and the National Bamboo Expo and World Bamboo Day celebrations set for September at Meru University of Science and Technology.

The forum brought together representatives from government agencies, development partners, conservation organisations, research institutions and private sector players to deliberate on strategies for accelerating investments and partnerships in Kenya's forestry sector.