Nairobi:The Kenyan government has initiated a Sh200 billion (US$200 million) project aimed at restoring degraded landscapes, enhancing water security, and strengthening community livelihoods in 12 counties over the next five years.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Kenya Watershed Services Improvement Project (KEWASIP) is financed by the World Bank and will be implemented by the State Department for Forestry. The project aims to rehabilitate 200,000 hectares of degraded ecosystems, benefiting approximately 750,000 people both directly and indirectly.
During the launch event in Nairobi, Dr. Deborah Barasa, the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, highlighted that the initiative will focus on protecting critical water catchments and addressing the impacts of land degradation and climate change. Dr. Barasa stressed the importance of going beyond tree planting to include better land management, biodiversity protection, and creating sustainable economic opportunities for communities.
The project will focus on five priority landscapes Marsabit, Marmanet, Nyambene Hills, Chyulu Hills, and Shimba Hills, covering counties such as Marsabit, Isiolo, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Laikipia, Samburu, Baringo, Makueni, Kitui, Garissa, Tana River, and Kwale. This initiative is expected to improve water security, conserve biodiversity, and support sustainable farming and income-generating activities.
Dr. Barasa urged county governments to integrate the program into their development plans and protect environmentally sensitive areas, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts between national and county agencies. She also called for transparency, accountability, and prudent use of resources, highlighting that success should be measured by seedling survival, improved watershed functions, and long-lasting community benefits.
Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in resource utilization and called for collaboration among implementing partners to ensure the success of the five-year initiative. KEWASIP aligns with several national strategies and initiatives, contributing to the target of restoring 10.6 million hectares by 2032.
The project brief notes that natural resources support over 80% of livelihoods in Kenya, with 88.6% of the country’s land at risk of degradation, affecting food security and climate resilience. Community participation, especially by women and young people, will be crucial in identifying priorities, implementing activities, and sustaining restoration efforts. The government plans to collaborate with county administrations, development partners, and national agencies to achieve healthier ecosystems and a more climate-resilient Kenya.
