The government has intensified efforts to safeguard Ngong Forest after years of environmental pressure, with a stakeholder consultation held on January 12 marking a major step toward restoring the vital ecosystem that supports Nairobi’s water supply and biodiversity.
The meeting, led by Principal Secretary in the State Department for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, brought together the Oloolua Forest Community Forest Association and more than 20 forest user groups from the Oloolua, Ngong Hills and Kibiko forest blocks.
The engagement is part of the government’s implementation of the 15 Billion Tree Growing Initiative, a national programme aimed at increasing forest cover and strengthening climate resilience across the country.
Ngong Forest is a gazetted government forest and a key water catchment area that supports biodiversity conservation, climate regulation and essential ecosystem services. However, rapid urbanization, encroachment and climate variability continue to threaten the forest’s long term sustainability.
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To address these challenges, the State Department for Irrigation has adopted the affected forest blocks for targeted restoration and rehabilitation. The approach prioritizes coordinated action, strong community participation and partnerships involving government agencies, conservation organisations, development partners, the private sector and local communities.
Planned interventions include enrichment planting using indigenous tree species, rehabilitation of degraded areas, protection of water catchments through soil and water conservation measures and the promotion of nature positive enterprises to improve livelihoods for surrounding communities.
The initiative will be implemented under the Ngong Forest Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme, which is expected to ensure effective coordination, long term maintenance and measurable environmental and socio- economic impact.
The restoration programme supports Kenya’s national forest restoration targets while advancing climate action, water security and sustainable development for communities living around Ngong Forest.
By Benedict Aoya
