Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service Mr. Felix Koskei has underscored the transformative impact of the Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme (MFC-ICLIP), emphasizing its role in reversing decades of environmental degradation while enhancing the lives of thousands of households in Kenya’s most critical water tower. The initiative, launched by President William Ruto in October 2025, combines ecosystem restoration with sustainable livelihoods, addressing both ecological and socio-economic challenges in the region.
Koskei highlighted the program’s dual focus on conserving the Mau Forest Complex, Kenya’s largest water tower, and empowering communities through projects like the Sh480 million rehabilitation of Kenyatta Dam. This investment, part of the MFC-ICLIP, is expected to benefit 1,800 households by irrigating 1,200 acres, reducing pressure on forest resources while boosting agricultural productivity. The dam’s upgrades include a solar-powered pump house, a 300-cubic-metre storage tank, and water reticulation infrastructure, reflecting the program’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
The MFC-ICLIP, a 10-year, Sh21.5 billion initiative spanning 317,000 hectares across the Mau Forest blocks, aims to reverse historical deforestation, illegal encroachment, and unsustainable land use. It integrates forest restoration, livelihood improvement, environmental education, and circular economy initiatives, with a target to rehabilitate 33,138 hectares of forest blocks and restore 668.7 hectares of wetlands over the next decade. The program also seeks to benefit 148,000 households through sustainable land management and community-driven solutions.
Koskei emphasized the government’s dedication to achieving President Ruto’s environmental plan, including the 15 billion tree target over the next ten years. He praised the MFC-ICLIP as a model for harmonizing conservation with economic growth, stating, “The program is a mission to restore the Mau Forest to its former beauty and value at the local, national, regional, and international levels, while renewing its ability to sustain freshwater systems, regulate rainfall, and secure millions of livelihoods.”
The initiative has already restored over 1,500 hectares of degraded forest through the planting of 1.5 million tree seedlings in Marindas and Gacharage. It has also attracted support via the Adopt-a-Forest campaign, with leaders and institutions adopting 1,635 hectares for restoration. Notable participants include President Ruto, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, Safaricom, Kenya Commercial Bank, and Kenya Power, underscoring the program’s broad-based partnerships.
Dr. Festus Ng’eno, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Environment and Climate Change, explained that the MFC-ICLIP was designed to tackle environmental degradation while enhancing livelihoods. He noted that the Mau Forest Complex, which supplies catchments for 12 rivers and five major lakes, supports millions of livelihoods through agriculture, hydropower, and water supply. “The program’s success hinges on integrating conservation with livelihood opportunities, as communities around the ecosystem are central to its long-term protection,” Ng’eno stated.
Ng’eno outlined the program’s five core areas: sustainable land management, community livelihood enhancement, circular economy initiatives, environmental education, and project governance. He emphasized that the initiative requires Ksh21 billion over 10 years, with an annual allocation of Ksh2.1 billion. The program’s targets include rehabilitating 33,138 hectares of forest blocks, restoring 143,803 hectares of agro-ecosystems, and benefiting 148,000 households through sustainable practices.
The MFC-ICLIP has attracted 74 partners, contributing approximately Ksh884 million in-kind support since its August 2025 inception. A key component is the Trees Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (TELIS), or shamba system, which allows communities to cultivate crops while nurturing tree seedlings. This initiative has approved 657 hectares for TELIS, with 4,625 households producing crops like potatoes alongside tree seedlings, enhancing food security and income diversification.
Over 10,000 farmers have also benefited from complementary programs such as pyrethrum farming, avocado growing, beekeeping, and agroforestry. The program has established avocado orchards in 180 schools, integrating environmental education with practical agricultural training. Dr. Ng’eno noted that these efforts align with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and climate goals, including the 15 billion tree target.
Nakuru Deputy Governor Dr. David Kones highlighted the county government’s role in complementing the national program through agricultural development, cooperative support, and infrastructure investments. He emphasized the Mau Forest’s significance beyond Nakuru, stating, “As one of our main water towers, it sustains rivers, supports biodiversity, regulates climate, and underpins millions of livelihoods. Protecting it is not a choice; it is a duty we all share.”
Kones noted the county’s efforts to fast-track tree planting through its greening program, which has seen millions of trees planted in schools, farms, and public spaces. The initiative has strengthened community nurseries, promoted farm forestry, and restored degraded landscapes, ensuring long-term sustainability through local ownership. “The progress made so far is encouraging,” he said, citing the restoration of 1,200 hectares of forest and the planting of over one million seedlings.
The Mau Forest Complex, a critical source of hydropower (600 megawatts) and tourism (Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara), faces threats from illegal logging, land-use shifts, and over-reliance on forest resources driven by poverty. Ng’eno warned that these challenges require coordinated action across national, county, and global levels to safeguard the ecosystem. “The program’s success depends on sustained collaboration and community engagement,” he added.
Koskei called on professionals from Kuresoi South, Kuresoi North, Njoro, Molo, and Rongai Sub-Counties to actively participate in the MFC-ICLIP, ensuring local communities reap its full benefits. He urged the use of expertise and networks to promote productive agriculture, value addition, and sustainable resource use. “Healthy ecosystems are essential for sustaining agriculture, securing water supplies, and supporting livelihoods for future generations,” he said.
The MFC-ICLIP’s holistic approach has already demonstrated tangible results, with community-focused initiatives transforming lives. Dr. Kones praised the program’s progress, stating, “The restoration of over 1,200 hectares of degraded land, alongside the planting of more than one million seedlings, marks a major step forward. These efforts are critical for Kenya’s environmental and economic resilience.”
The program’s success underscores the importance of integrating conservation with socio-economic development. By addressing environmental degradation and empowering communities, the MFC-ICLIP sets a precedent for sustainable development in Kenya and beyond. As the initiative progresses, its impact on ecosystems and livelihoods will continue to shape the nation’s environmental and economic future.
The Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme (MFC-ICLIP) represents a landmark effort to balance ecological preservation with community empowerment. With government leadership, private sector collaboration, and grassroots participation, the program is redefining how conservation and development can coexist, offering a blueprint for sustainable practices in Kenya’s critical water towers.
The MFC-ICLIP’s achievements highlight the potential of integrated approaches to environmental challenges. By restoring degraded landscapes and fostering economic opportunities, the initiative not only safeguards Kenya’s natural heritage but also strengthens the resilience of communities dependent on the Mau Forest. As the program expands, its lessons will inform future conservation strategies across the region.
The Mau Forest recovery program exemplifies Kenya’s commitment to environmental sustainability and inclusive growth. Through innovative projects, partnerships, and community engagement, the MFC-ICLIP is restoring ecosystems while improving livelihoods, ensuring a legacy of ecological and economic prosperity for generations to come.