The Kenyan government has initiated a Sh200 billion project aimed at restoring degraded landscapes, improving water security, and enhancing community livelihoods in 12 counties. The Kenya Watershed Services Improvement Project, financed by the World Bank, will run for five years and focus on rehabilitating 200,000 hectares of degraded ecosystems. This effort is expected to directly and indirectly benefit approximately 750,000 people. The project was launched in Nairobi by Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Barasa.
Dr. Barasa emphasized that environmental restoration should go beyond tree planting to include better land management, biodiversity protection, and sustainable economic opportunities for communities. She highlighted the need to address the underlying causes of degradation, improve land management, and protect biodiversity. The project will be implemented in five priority landscapes: Marsabit, Marmanet, Nyambene Hills, Chyulu Hills, and Shimba Hills, spanning 12 counties including Marsabit, Isiolo, and Kwale.
The project aims to link upstream forests and water towers with river systems, agricultural areas, and downstream communities. This initiative is expected to improve water security, conserve biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, and support sustainable farming and income-generating activities. By enhancing watershed functions, the project will contribute to the country's goal of restoring 10.6 million hectares of degraded land by 2032.
Dr. Barasa called on county governments to take ownership of the program, incorporate its activities into county development plans, and protect environmentally sensitive areas. She stressed that environmental challenges do not respect administrative boundaries and urged national and county agencies to coordinate their efforts to respond to local community needs.
The Cabinet Secretary also emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and prudent use of project resources. She stated that success should be measured not only by the number of trees planted or hectares covered but also by seedling survival, improved watershed functions, and lasting benefits to communities. Principal Secretary for Forestry, Gitonga Mugambi, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts among implementing partners.
The project aligns with several national strategies, including the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Strategy, the 15 Billion Tree Growing Initiative, and the National Climate Change Action Plan. Given that natural resources support over 80% of livelihoods in Kenya and 88.6% of the country's land is at risk of degradation, the project seeks to address these pressing issues. Community participation, particularly by women and young people, will be central to the project's success.
The government has assured that community participation will be integral to identifying priorities, implementing activities, and sustaining restoration efforts. Priority beneficiaries include community interest groups involved in natural resource management, nature-based enterprises, and vulnerable and marginalized groups. The project is expected to deliver healthier ecosystems, stronger local economies, and a more climate-resilient country.
Key points
- The project will rehabilitate 200,000 hectares of degraded ecosystems and benefit approximately 750,000 people.
- The initiative aims to improve water security, conserve biodiversity, and support sustainable farming and income-generating activities.
- Community participation, particularly by women and young people, will be central to the project's success.
