In April, the “Shika Adabu” area in Nanyuki (part of Nanyuki’s riparian) saw over 10,000 tree seedlings planted through a joint effort by the Laikipia Wildlife Forum (LWF), the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), local administrators, and community members. Working through the Plantation Establishment and Livelihoods Improvement Scheme (PELIS), LWF has been fostering a shared sense of ownership among community members and institutional partners. The result is not just trees in the ground, but a growing local movement committed to stewarding Laikipia’s forest ecosystems.

Team LWF and members of the Kenya Defence Forces plant a seedling at the Shika Adabu site in Nanyuki Riparian, a strong display of partnership in action under the TerraFund for AFR100 project

Also along the Nanyuki River, LWF partnered with the Nanyuki Green Champions and Ng’arisha Mtaa for a series of restoration activities. These included planting 3,000 indigenous seedlings and 800 bamboo seedlings over four weeks. Bamboo, particularly Giant Bamboo, plays a vital role in water purification and bank stabilisation, critical to the health of the river and its downstream users.

At the Likii River riparian area, another 10,000 seedlings were planted in April. This activity, carried out in collaboration with KDF, Kariki Farm, County government, and community groups, builds on previous restoration efforts at the site. Notably, 200 avocado seedlings were also planted as part of a broader effort to integrate livelihoods into restoration.

This quarter, the majority of seedlings planted across all sites came from community-run nurseries supported by LWF. The availability of high-quality seedlings, timed with the March–April rains, was a quiet but crucial success that underpinned the season’s tree growing efforts.

Beyond the numbers, this marks a shift: restoration is increasingly being powered by the community, for the community. Groups including Nanyuki Green Champions have taken ownership using simple innovations such as “vesting” to protect young trees from livestock. The result is higher survival rates and stronger local buy-in.

In June, LWF hosted a team from the World Resources Institute (WRI) as part of a project monitoring visit. The visit focused on validating implementation progress, engaging directly with community members, and gathering insights to inform future restoration efforts. Their feedback reaffirmed the importance of LWF’s community-driven approach.

Looking forward, LWF plans to complete the planting in the upcoming rainy season. Work is also underway to register our tree nurseries with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), ensuring institutional support for long-term impact.

Whether through planting, monitoring, or training, this quarter has demonstrated that restoration in Laikipia is not the work of any one actor. It’s a collective effort, built on partnerships and driven by local champions.

Upon arrival, we received an extensive tour of Loisaba’s operations, visiting various departments, including Conservation, Human Resources, Finance, and their advanced Control Room. The team also explored the Conservancy’s Conservation Center, where Loisaba’s diverse programs and initiatives were showcased.

The meeting officially commenced with an introduction by LWF’s Executive Director, Celline Achieng’. She presented LWF’s core thematic areas and highlighted ongoing programs in education, restoration, and conservation. Tom provided an overview of Loisaba’s programs and milestones, notably the creation of approximately 500 jobs as a result of their initiatives, illustrating the Conservancy’s significant community impact.

One of the visit’s highlights was a tour of Loisaba’s biogas plant, where Opuntia engelmannii is being transformed into biogas. This innovative approach, as demonstrated by Francis at the plant, serves as a model for the resourceful use of invasive species, currently providing gas for the rangers’ mess, which serves 40-50 individuals daily.

The visit concluded with promising opportunities for collaboration. The meeting emphasized the importance of partnership between conservation organizations such as LWF and Loisaba Conservancy. Through such collaboration, both organizations can significantly enhance their efforts to preserve ecosystems and promote sustainability.

The event was graced by notable dignitaries, including the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change, Hon. Soipan Tuya, Laikipia County Governor H.E. Joshua Irungu EGH, PS Wildlife Ms. Silvia Museiya, and MP Laikipia North Hon. Sarah Korere.

Other stakeholders present included representatives from NEMA, KEFRI, NRT, IMPACT, LCA, and TNC, as well as community members and development partners.

Kenya, particularly Laikipia County, has faced severe drought over the past four years, leading to dry rivers and the death of both livestock and wildlife. The Maiyanat Community Land in Laikipia was among the most degraded areas. To combat this, various partners, including LWF, KEFRI, Ilmamusi CFA, Borana Conservancy, and Africa Nature Investors (ANI), collaborated to introduce innovative land restoration technologies.

These technologies include micro-catchment bunds, Vallerani system, swales, tree planting, animal bunching  and fencing, for assisted natural regeneration.

The combined efforts of these partners have successfully restored the health of the land, with the Maasai love grass, African fox tail, and indigenous tree species flourishing once again. This success attracted the attention of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Climate Change, prompting them to choose Maiyanat as the venue for this year’s WDDD. This allowed stakeholders to learn about these effective land restoration techniques and consider their adoption in other landscapes.

LWF’s participation in WDDD was pivotal, given the significant impact of their efforts in restoring the Maiyanat Community Land. LWF has constructed 17,040 micro-catchment bunds, planted over 30,000 trees, and cleared 45 hectares of the invasive Opuntia stricta in Laikipia County.

During the event, LWF showcased a project on eradicating Opuntia by converting it into animal feed. This innovative process involves burning the harmful spikes of the plant to prevent livestock from being harmed, then crushing it to make fodder that can be mixed with other feeds. This project was lauded by Hon. Soipan Tuya who also presented the certificate of participation to LWF and called for replication of such technologies  in other areas to economically utilize the invasive species.

Brian Otieno explains our pilot project of converting Opuntia stricta into animal feed to stakeholders. Photo Credit: Ann Ngunjiri

As part of the celebration for the day, LWF also joined Vision 2030 in conservation education and tree-planting at Ilpolei secondary school where we planted 300 trees of Terminalia and Melia volkensi which are drought resistant species that grow in dry areas.

Hon. Soipan Tuya, in her keynote address, emphasized the government’s commitment to environmental conservation through policies, strategies, and activities such as the 15 billion tree planting campaign by 2032. She highlighted the need for integrated resilience efforts to create sustainable solutions for ecosystem restoration and climate change.

Governor Joshua Irungu assured the county government’s support for sustainable implementation of intervention measures, including the eradication of invasive species such Opuntia. He reiterated that the theme “United for Land: Our Legacy, Our Future” aligns with the mission to enhance land restoration, ensuring continued support for communities and economies.

The celebration mainly featured  tree-planting and exhibitions,the latter showcasing innovative solutions for sustainable land management. Attendees visited the 252-acre Maiyanat Demo plot to witness the implementation of land restoration initiatives such as semi-circular bunds, a rangeland restoration strategy for water-retention and grass-growing.

The interventions by LWF and other partners were recognized by various stakeholders, attracting partnerships aimed at restoring rangelands. The culmination of the event saw the distribution of tanks to schools by the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) and 20 beehives to Dupoto Beekeepers cooperative group to  enhance their livelihood. SMACHS foundation other partners contributed to this effort besides other support to the community.

In conclusion, the WDDD celebration at Maiyanat Community Conservancy underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in combating land degradation. The success of innovative land restoration technologies in Laikipia serves as a model for other regions, promising a sustainable future for our land and communities.

To achieve this restoration goal, LWF has partnered with different stakeholders to undertake tree-growing events aimed at creating a strong buffer strip for the riparian zones.

Two tree-growing events took place in the first half of the year. On May 17, 2024, LWF partnered with the Mt. Kenya Community Forest Association (CFA) to plant 5,000 indigenous tree species along the riparian area of the Nanyuki River at the foot of Mt. Kenya. Additionally, we supported the “Adopt a Tree” program, where 3,000 indigenous tree species were distributed to four schools.

LWF also partnered with various stakeholders, including Likii Water Resource Users Association (WRUA), who are mandated to ensure conservation along the Likii sub-catchment, to grow 5,000 indigenous tree species.

This event coincided with the World Environment Day on June 5, 2024. Some of the partners present included the Mt. Kenya Ewaso Water Partnership, NEMA-Laikipia County, the Department of Water, Environment, and Natural Resources-Laikipia County, the Water Resources Authority (WRA), Nanyuki Water and Sanitation Company (NAWASCO), Kenya Defense Forces (KDF), The Leo Project, Nanyuki Green Champions, Projects Africa, Ngusishi WRUA, Kongoni River Farm, and Kariki Farm.

LWF representatives receive certification award on the World Environment Day for Outstanding Restoration Efforts. Photo Credit: Ann Ngunjiri

The importance of this exercise was echoed by Leah Njeri, the Laikipia CECM of the Department of Water, Environment, and Natural Resources. She explained that the exercise aligns with the Presidential directive of planting 15 billion trees by 2032 and contributes to Laikipia County’s target of 372 million trees.

These tree-growing efforts are also crucial in accelerating the implementation of the WRUA’s sub-catchment management plan (SCMP), which includes a whole chapter on resource-protection. The selected sites were informed by previous mapping, identifying the degraded areas along the two river catchments.

With the Mount Kenya Ewaso Water Partnership’s (MKEWP’s) commitment to engaging river scouts to support this exercise, we are confident of achieving a survival rate of at least 70% within the two sites.

The first day began with an overview of MRV concepts, followed by practical sessions on data -collection and nursery-grouping on TerraMatch. One-on-one sessions allowed participants to delve deeper into specific data collection strategies.

Day-two focused on polygon data collection, with sessions on using the TerraMatch, Flority, and Greenhouse platforms. Participants engaged in hands-on practice, working in small groups to collect and analyze data.

LWF’s Program Officer, Peter Mathenge, participates in a group session where participants learned to use the Flority app.

The final day covered reporting and verification, detailing the requirements for comprehensive project reporting. Participants were guided through financial reporting and the submission process on TerraMatch. The day ended with a World Café session, where participants discussed their experiences and insights in small groups.

LWF’s project under this fund aims to restore Laikipia’s degraded rangelands through grass reseeding and water bund-construction. This initiative will provide sustainable forage for livestock, reduce pressure on the Mukogodo Forest, and improve the region’s ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, water quality, and wildlife health. The project also includes a significant tree-planting effort, with a target of growing 150,000 trees to increase forest cover and further support the ecosystem. The project also aims to enhance public health through better air and water quality and to boost ecotourism, providing a source of income for local communities.

The MRV workshop equipped LWF staff with essential skills and knowledge to effectively monitor and report their restoration efforts. With TerraFund for AFR100’s support and local champions’ dedication, LWF is set to make significant strides in restoring Laikipia’s rangelands, promising a greener and more sustainable future for the region.

In the serene setting of Manguo Wetland in Nyahururu, we proudly united with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the Laikipia County Government, and esteemed stakeholders to commemorate this year’s World Wetlands Day, with the theme  ‘Wetlands and Human Wellbeing.’

From town clean-ups in the Manguo area to engaging tree-planting initiatives and enlightening community sensitization campaigns, the day brimmed with activities designed to elevate awareness and deepen appreciation for the critical role wetlands play in our collective existence.

In a world where nearly 90% of wetlands have succumbed to degradation since the 1700s, the urgency to protect and restore these vital ecosystems cannot be overstated. This year’s theme strikes a chord as we navigate the intricate interplay between wetlands and human wellbeing. From providing essential habitats for diverse biodiversity to serving as critical carbon sinks, wetlands serve as indispensable pillars for sustaining life and fortifying resilience against the ravages of climate change.

The event witnessed a distinguished gathering of stakeholders, including representatives from government agencies, conservation organizations, and local communities. Their collective presence underscored a shared commitment to amplifying awareness about the critical importance of conserving wetlands, encompassing swamps, marshes, and riparian lands, which are not only pivotal for human wellbeing but also indispensable for the thriving of wildlife and aquatic species.

The local community and stakeholders actively engage in a clean-up initiative during the World Wetlands Day Celebration in Nyahururu

Addressing the assembled audience, Mr. Samuel Abraham Lemanyishoe, Chief Officer of Water, Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change for Laikipia County, reaffirmed the unwavering dedication of the County Government to conserving and restoring Manguo Wetland and other wetlands across the County.

Emphasizing strategic measures such as the meticulous planting and nurturing of bamboo trees, he called for a collective responsibility in conservation efforts.

As the Assistant County Commissioner and esteemed Chief guest for the occasion, Mr. Joseph Wanyonyi underscored the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to safeguarding wetlands, addressing pressing issues such as pollution and encroachment, which pose formidable threats to effective conservation endeavours.

Let us wholeheartedly acknowledge that the health and vitality of our wetlands directly influence the quality of life for communities.

By synergizing our efforts and embarking upon decisive action, we can ensure the enduring preservation of these invaluable ecosystems for the benefit of present and future generations.

In line with our commitment to community engagement and capacity building, LWF staff have undergone rigorous training in various participatory methods, including citizen’s assemblies, participatory policy making, legislative theatres, and participatory budgeting. These methodologies will enable us to effectively involve community members in decision-making processes and ensure their voices are central to the project’s activities.

The project is scheduled to run for one year, from April 2024 to April 2025, encompassing a range of activities aimed at enhancing the capacity of target groups in Laikipia County. Drawing from our detailed work plans, we are excited to highlight some key activities that will be undertaken:

Awareness Workshops: We will conduct workshops to raise awareness among Ward Development Committees (WDCs) and community members about climate change and its impacts on the local environment, livelihoods, and public health. These workshops will emphasize the importance of local climate action and the role of WDCs in shaping climate policies.

Comprehensive Training: Representatives from all 15 wards in Laikipia County will receive comprehensive training on climate policy development. This will include identifying climate challenges, conducting vulnerability assessments, and formulating adaptation and mitigation strategies. Additionally, training will cover project management, monitoring and evaluation, and fundraising techniques to support the implementation of climate initiatives.

Participatory Planning Sessions: LWF will facilitate participatory planning sessions in three wards, Ngobit, Nanyuki and Mukogodo East, encouraging inclusive discussions on climate challenges and identifying priority areas for action. WDCs from these wards, alongside community leaders and representatives from local organizations, will collaboratively develop Ward Development Plans, crucial for leveraging funds from the County Government through the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCa) program.

Advocacy for Policy Adoption: We will work with WDCs to advocate for the adoption and implementation of climate-resilient policies at the county level, particularly the rainwater harvesting policy. This will involve organizing stakeholder meetings, policy dialogues, and public awareness campaigns to generate support for the proposed policy. Additionally, we will engage a consultant to support the WDCs in generating a Policy Brief with recommendations for presentation in the County Assembly.

The main outcome of this project will be if the County Government of Laikipia adopts the rainwater harvesting policy for Laikipia County. This policy will play a pivotal role in mitigating the effects of climate change and promoting sustainable water management practices, ultimately benefiting local communities and ecosystems.

By employing citizen’s assemblies and partnering closely with duty bearers from the County Government of Laikipia, government agencies and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Laikipia, we aim to enhance climate awareness and lobby for the implementation of climate-resilient policies and practices. Together, we can build a more resilient future for Laikipia County, ensuring the well-being of both present and future generations.

We are excited to embark on this journey and extend our heartfelt gratitude to People Powered for their support in making this project a reality. Stay tuned for updates as we work towards a more sustainable and climate-resilient Laikipia County!

For those unfamiliar, MpalaLive is a groundbreaking online platform that offers live streams of wildlife from the renowned Mpala Research Centre. This initiative provides an immersive experience, allowing viewers to witness the daily activities of African wildlife in real-time, from majestic elephants to graceful giraffes and powerful lions. Beyond entertainment, MpalaLive serves as an educational resource, offering curated video stories, teacher guides, and lesson plans to foster a deeper understanding of conservation and ecosystem dynamics.

During the meeting, MpalaLive representatives shared insights into their project’s goals and capabilities, while we had the opportunity to showcase our ongoing and prospective conservation initiatives. It quickly became evident that there was significant potential for synergy between our organizations.

As a result, an action plan was developed to leverage MpalaLive’s expertise in documenting conservation efforts. One exciting outcome is the collaboration on developing short documentaries highlighting our work in the field. Additionally, MpalaLive will assist in sharing our activities through collaborative posting, further enhancing our visibility and reach.

Victor Kasii, who joined our team during the Invasive Species school debates programs supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), will play a pivotal role in this collaboration. By documenting these debates and crafting a documentary, we will be able to showcase our work to members, donors, and supporters, thereby strengthening our relationships and impact.

Victor Kasii from MpalaLive capturing moments during the second phase of the Invasive Species Debates.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to MpalaLive for their support and look forward to exploring further opportunities for collaboration. Together, we are committed to advancing conservation efforts and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.

Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting partnership!

But why is the domestication of FOLAREP such a crucial stride for Laikipia County? At its core, this document serves as a roadmap, guiding policymakers and stakeholders in nurturing the delicate balance between human activities and the preservation of natural resources. With Laikipia’s ecosystems under constant threat from various pressures, a localized FOLAREP becomes an indispensable tool in safeguarding the region’s ecological integrity.

For LWF, the adoption of FOLAREP opens a new chapter in our tireless efforts towards conservation.

Across our six thematic areas—water, rangelands, tourism, land use, wildlife, and conservation education—we are ready to integrate FOLAREP seamlessly into our restoration initiatives.

In the realm of water management, FOLAREP will inform strategies to protect critical water sources and enhance water quality, ensuring the sustenance of both wildlife and communities. Rangelands, often subjected to degradation, will benefit from FOLAREP’s guidelines on sustainable grazing practices, fostering healthier ecosystems and resilient livelihoods.

The tourism sector, a vital economic pillar, stands to gain from FOLAREP’s emphasis on responsible tourism practices, promoting both conservation and community development. Meanwhile, land use planning will be supported by FOLAREP’s insights, fostering harmony between human settlements and wildlife habitats.

Moreover, FOLAREP’s integration into LWF’s conservation education programs will empower future generations with the knowledge and appreciation necessary to become stewards of their natural heritage.

But FOLAREP isn’t just a plan on paper—it’s also a tool for getting help. LWF can use FOLAREP to show others why protecting Laikipia’s nature is so important. This might mean getting money from people who want to help or teaming up with other groups who care about nature.

As the workshop ended, everyone felt excited about what FOLAREP could do for Laikipia. With this plan as their guide, LWF is ready to work together to make sure Laikipia’s forests, rivers, and animals stay happy and healthy for a long time to come.

The app begins by empowering seed collectors with a powerful tool to record data about their seed collections. Using the app, seed collectors can document essential information, such as the collected species, location coordinates, and capture images to provide visual evidence of the seed tree and collection site. Each seed collection is assigned a unique QR code, ensuring accurate and efficient tracking of the seeds throughout the process.

Once the seed collections arrive at the nursery, the QR codes associated with each bag are scanned, allowing for seamless check-ins. The nursery staff can access the app’s guided steps and instructions to ensure optimal germination and growth of the seeds, transforming them into healthy seedlings ready for planting.

Upon reaching the appropriate stage, the seedlings are assigned new QR codes and transferred to farms by dedicated facilitators. At this point, beneficiaries are registered within the app to take responsibility for nurturing and caring for the trees. The beneficiary, in collaboration with the facilitator, becomes the guardian of the tree, ensuring its ongoing care and protection.

To guarantee regular monitoring of the tree’s status, MyGeoTree prompts the facilitator and beneficiary to conduct assessments in recurring time sequences, for example, twice a year. Through the app, they record vital information such as tree height, health condition, and any necessary maintenance actions taken. This data enables the continuous evaluation of the tree’s progress and helps identify potential issues that may arise.

In addition to fostering sustainable tree restoration efforts, MyGeoTree includes a mobile payment function. The app leverages mobile payment systems, allowing beneficiaries to receive payouts for their active participation in monitoring and maintaining the trees. This incentivizes the beneficiaries, creating a rewarding experience while encouraging their dedication to tree care.

Furthermore, MyGeoTree harnesses the power of blockchain technology to store and secure critical information about the monitoring process. By utilizing blockchain, the app ensures the transparent and immutable recording of every stage in the tree’s journey, enabling anyone to access and validate the restoration process. From the initial seed collection site to the tree’s current location, the blockchain serves as an unalterable record, bolstering trust and accountability in the tree restoration efforts. This revolutionary approach enhances transparency, fosters collaboration, and empowers stakeholders with indisputable evidence of the positive impact achieved through the restoration initiatives. MyGeoTree has the following features:

• Seed collection characterization: Captures seed collection details, including species, location, and images.
• QR code tracking: Assigns unique QR codes to seed bags and seedlings for efficient tracking and traceability.
• Nursery guidance: Provides step-by-step instructions for nursery staff to ensure successful seedling growth.
• Facilitator support: Enables facilitators to transfer seedlings and register beneficiaries for tree care.
• Monitoring and assessment: Prompts facilitators and beneficiaries to conduct bi-annual tree assessments, recording essential data on tree health and growth.
• Mobile payment integration: Enables beneficiaries to receive payouts for their active participation, incentivizing their commitment to tree restoration efforts.
• Blockchain integration: ensures transparent and immutable recording of every stage in the tree’s journey from the seed collection site to the tree’s current location with continuous evaluation of the tree’s progress.

MyGeoTree revolutionizes tree restoration on smallholder farms in Kenya, promoting transparency, accountability, and financial incentives. By combining cutting-edge technology with the dedication of seed collectors, nurseries, facilitators, and beneficiaries, MyGeoTree paves the way for a greener, more sustainable future.

With these features, MyGeoTree not only facilitates sustainable tree restoration but also empowers communities to take ownership of their environmental stewardship. By combining cutting-edge technology with grassroots dedication, MyGeoTree is poised to pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future in Mukogodo West ward and beyond.

As Laikipia Wildlife Forum (LWF) conducts community training sessions, excitement brews for the transformative potential of MyGeoTree. Together, let us embark on this journey towards a more vibrant, resilient ecosystem, where every tree planted is a testament to the power of community-driven change.