Nakuru:The Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme (MFC-ICLIP) is making significant strides in restoring ecosystems and improving the livelihoods of communities around Kenya’s largest water tower. Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, Mr. Felix Koskei, highlighted the success of the initiative, which is focusing on both environmental restoration and the enhancement of community prosperity.
According to Kenya News Agency, the programme exemplifies the government’s dedication to environmental sustainability and community empowerment. It aims to conserve and restore the Mau Forest, benefiting thousands of households through clean energy and improved living conditions.
The Mau Forest Complex, a vital water tower, supports millions of livelihoods through agriculture, hydropower generation, and water supply. Mr. Koskei emphasized the government’s commitment to planting 15 billion trees over the next decade as part of President William Ruto’s environmental plan. He underscored the importance of the initiative in reversing decades of environmental degradation affecting the forest and its dependent communities.
MFC-ICLIP, a 10-year, Sh21.5 billion initiative, spans over 317,000 hectares across key forest blocks, including Eastern, Western, Molo, and South-West Mau. The programme aims to reverse deforestation and unsustainable land use while empowering local communities economically. It has already restored over 1,500 hectares of degraded forest by planting approximately 1.5 million tree seedlings.
The initiative is supported by an Adopt-a-Forest campaign, attracting leaders and institutions such as President Ruto, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, Safaricom, Kenya Commercial Bank, and Kenya Power. These efforts are designed to protect forests and water catchments, crucial in combating climate change and supporting agriculture and water supply.
Dr. Engineer Festus Ng’eno, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Environment and Climate Change, explained that the programme integrates conservation with livelihood improvement. It requires an estimated Ksh21 billion over ten years, focusing on sustainable land management, community enhancement, circular economy initiatives, environmental education, and effective governance.
The MFC-ICLIP initiative has garnered significant support, with 74 partners contributing approximately Ksh884 million. It includes the Trees Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (TELIS), allowing communities to cultivate crops while nurturing tree seedlings, thus enhancing food security and income diversity.
Nakuru Deputy Governor Dr. David Kones highlighted the county’s efforts to complement the national programme by promoting agricultural production, cooperative development, and market access. The Mau Forest Complex, essential for hydropower and tourism, is crucial for sustaining rivers, biodiversity, and climate regulation, making its protection a shared duty at local, national, and global levels.
