This archive report was first published on 6 September 2019.
Published on September 6, 2019, Chief Conservator of Forests Julius Kamau emphasized the need for conservation work at Laikipia's Marmanet Forest, citing its potential as a key elephant migratory corridor and water catchment area.
Despite its conservation value, the forest ecosystem still faces significant threats from encroachment, illegal settlement, and overgrazing. To address this, the National Prison Service and Safaricom have expressed interest in collaborating with the Kenya Forest Service to rehabilitate the forest.
As part of their commitment, Safaricom has pledged to provide five million seedlings over the next five years, which will be used to restore the forest reserve. This initiative aligns with the country's goal of achieving a 10% forest cover by 2022 and will provide essential ecological goods and services for socio-economic growth.
During an aerial and ground surveillance of the forest, Kamau also highlighted the need to revive the Shamanek Forest Station's tree nursery, which has the potential to raise over 500,000 seedlings annually. The revival plan requires financial resources to rehabilitate the nursery infrastructure and enhance technical capacity to manage it efficiently.
Meanwhile, the Hearts of Green organization will hold a tree-planting marathon in 20 public schools in Subukia, Nakuru County on September 13, aiming to plant 20,000 trees. The Kenya Forest Service is working with Hearts of Green to revive environmental clubs in schools and provide logistical support and technical advice towards the initiative.
