Kenya Forest Service (KFS), in collaboration with partners, has strengthened efforts towards the restoration and sustainable management of Dundori Forest, culminating in the handover of 68 fully restored hectares of forest to KFS.
The France Ambassador to Kenya, Waadid Benaabou, who was the Chief Guest, commended the efforts towards restoring Dundori Forest and emphasized the importance of strong partnerships in advancing forest restoration, climate action and sustainable environmental conservation.
Chief conservator of Forests (CCF)Mr Alex Lemarkoko in his remarks emphasized the importance of strengthening forest protection through fencing, which helps define forest boundaries, prevent illegal activities and promote natural regeneration. He highlighted KFS’s adoption of technology for forest surveillance, intelligence gathering, early fire detection and rapid response, including drones, firefighting equipment and live video smoke detection systems. He noted that the technology is already operational in the Mau, Mount Kenya and Aberdare ecosystems, with plans to expand to Mount Elgon. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to restore degraded forests and mangrove ecosystems as part of Kenya’s goal of achieving 30% tree cover by 2032.
County Forest Conservator Humphry Osoro highlighted the importance of forest restoration in advancing Kenya’s national environmental conservation agenda. He noted that the rehabilitation of Dundori Forest contributes to the Government’s 15 Billion Trees Growing Programme by increasing tree cover, restoring degraded forests and strengthening ecosystem resilience. He emphasized the need for continued collaboration among government institutions, development partners, communities and other stakeholders to accelerate tree growing and ensure sustainable management of Kenya’s forest resources.
The handover of the 68 fully restored hectares marks an important milestone in strengthening forest restoration and sustainable forest management efforts in Kenya.
