FORESTRY PRINCIPAL SECRETARY MR. GITONGA MUGAMBI CHAIRS AFR100 PROJECT ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON KERIO VALLEY RESTORATION

Forestry Principal Secretary Mr. Gitonga Mugambi today chaired the Project Advisory Committee meeting for the AFR100 Support Programme, bringing together stakeholders to review implementation progress and strategic interventions aimed at accelerating forest and landscape restoration in the Kerio Valley landscape.

Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Mugambi reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to restoring degraded ecosystems through Kenya’s ten-year strategy to rehabilitate 10.6 million hectares of degraded landscapes and ecosystems across the country.

He noted that the restoration strategy is a key component of national efforts to increase tree cover to 30 percent by 2032 while strengthening climate resilience, conserving biodiversity, and supporting sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

The committee reviewed restoration priorities within the Kerio Valley landscape, which spans Baringo and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties and continues to face environmental challenges associated with deforestation, unsustainable land use practices, land degradation, and increasing pressure on natural resources.

Members also assessed progress achieved under the programme, including the completion of baseline assessments, restoration opportunity mapping, stakeholder consultations, and restoration finance studies. Ongoing activities include the development of natural resource management plans, community capacity-building initiatives, policy support interventions, and partnerships aimed at enhancing restoration efforts at the landscape level.

Once fully implemented, the programme is expected to restore more than 7,000 hectares of degraded land and improve the management of over 20,000 hectares across the landscape. The initiative will also strengthen community participation in restoration activities and promote sustainable livelihood opportunities for local populations.

The AFR100 Support Programme is expected to play a significant role in advancing Kenya’s landscape restoration agenda while contributing to climate action, ecosystem recovery, and long-term environmental sustainability.

Also present during the meeting were Forest Development Secretary Mr. George Tarus, FAO Deputy Country Representative Mr. Hamisi Williams, and representatives from national and county governments, development partners, and implementing agencies.