President William Ruto has launched a large-scale environmental drive to restore the Mau Forest Complex as part of Kenya’s plan to plant 15 billion trees in the next ten years.
The project, unveiled in Nakuru County, marks one of the most ambitious conservation efforts under his administration.
The initiative, known as the Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme, is designed to rehabilitate over 33,000 hectares of degraded forest land.
According to President Ruto, the restoration will help increase water levels in rivers, improve food production, and sustain millions of livelihoods linked to the forest ecosystem.
“Our goal is to ensure every Kenyan plays a part in restoring our environment. This is why we are involving government agencies, private investors, and communities in planting and nurturing trees across the country," the President said.
The Mau Forest Complex is a vital water catchment area that supports key rivers flowing into major lakes, including Victoria and Nakuru.
Over the years, deforestation and encroachment have led to water shortages and soil degradation, affecting farmers and communities who depend on the forest for their livelihoods.
The new programme seeks to balance conservation with economic empowerment. It will introduce community-led reforestation projects, promote sustainable agriculture, and create green jobs for residents living around the forest.
Environmentalists have welcomed the plan, describing it as a timely intervention to reverse years of forest loss.
County leaders in Nakuru also pledged their support, saying the restoration effort could transform the region’s economy through improved rainfall patterns and food security.
The initiative forms part of the government’s broader climate action agenda, which aims to make Kenya a leader in environmental conservation across Africa.
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