STAKEHOLDERS MEETING REPORT

Embobut Forest, part of the Cherangany Hills ecosystem and one of Kenya’s five main water towers, is not only ecologically vital but also holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Sengwer people, whose ancestral identity is rooted in its protection. The forest has suffered immense degradation in recent years, contributing to a sharp decline in Elgeyo Marakwet County’s Forest cover from 37% to 29%, consequently lowering its national ranking in forest conservation from second to fifth. This degradation is largely attributed to unresolved land tenure issues and unsustainable land use practices. With Kenya’s National Tree Growing Restoration Campaign aiming to plant 15 billion trees by 2032—an initiative launched on 21st December 2022—this project aligns itself with national climate ambitions and is a demonstration of grassroots action supporting government priorities.

SECBO’s restoration project, framed within the provisions of the Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016 and other complementary legislation such as the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) 1999 and the Climate Change Act, 2016 , will involve the planting of approximately 2.5 million fruit and indigenous trees over the course of three years. The initiative will also establish five community-run tree nurseries, two of which are already operational. These nurseries will be managed by organized women groups drawn from both the Sengwer and the neighboring dominant communities. This deliberate inclusion of neighboring communities reflects the understanding that forest conservation transcends boundaries, and that the health of shared ecosystems depends on the collective responsibility of all adjacent populations. A ten-acre parcel of land has already been allocated for this restoration effort, which will serve as a demonstration site for reforestation and agroecological interventions.

A distinctive component of the project is the integration of agroecology and renewable energy into forest conservation efforts. Through the use of dairy cattle waste, SECBO plans to develop clean energy alternatives to reduce reliance on firewood and charcoal, thereby mitigating further forest degradation. This approach also supports Kenya’s clean energy transition goals as stipulated in the Energy Act, 2019. Over the long term, SECBO envisions the establishment of a community cooperative society to support sustainable livelihoods and market access for forest-friendly products. Additionally, the project will include mentorship and capacity-building initiatives targeting youth, to foster environmental stewardship and to empower the next generation of conservation leaders with knowledge rooted in both indigenous traditions and modern ecological practices.

Discussions during the meeting highlighted the importance of aligning community efforts with national legal and policy frameworks. The County Forester and the County Gender Officer underscored the critical role that partnerships between community-based organizations and government departments play in achieving sustainable environmental outcomes. They emphasized that forest restoration and conservation cannot be achieved in isolation, and called for structured collaboration and information sharing to ensure that SECBO’s initiative contributes to the county’s environmental goals and is integrated into the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP). Stakeholders also agreed on the need for robust monitoring systems, community ownership, and capacity-building to ensure that the initiative is not only effective but also sustainable.

The meeting concluded with strong commitments from all stakeholders to support SECBO’s vision and to work collaboratively to restore Embobut Forest. The community’s leadership, especially the inclusion of women and youth, was recognized as a vital pillar in achieving the goals of the project. The event signaled a new chapter of inclusive, Indigenous-led conservation efforts, rooted in cultural knowledge and backed by national environmental laws and global climate action goals. It reaffirmed that forest conservation is not only about trees, but about people, partnerships, and preserving the delicate balance of ecosystems for current and future generations. https://kenyalaw.org/kl/fileadmin/pdfdownloads/Acts/2016/No._34_of_2016.pdf

https://kenyalaw.org/kl/fileadmin/pdfdownloads/Acts/EnvironmentalManagementandCo-ordinationAct_No8of1999.pdf https://kenyalaw.org/kl/fileadmin/pdfdownloads/Acts/ClimateChangeActNo11of2016.pdf Recommendations

1. Enrichment of Project Activities: Broaden and diversify project activities to ensure long-term sustainability and achievement of the project's environmental and livelihood goals.
2. Monitoring and Tree Care Mechanisms: Develop and implement community-led monitoring systems to ensure the survival and growth of planted trees, particularly indigenous species that require longer maturation periods.
3. Involvement of Schools: Engage local schools in tree planting and care activities to reach planting targets while nurturing environmental stewardship among young learners.
4. Partnership with Other Organizations: Collaborate with conservation organizations and nurseries to ensure the availability and planting of a variety of indigenous and fruit tree species to promote biodiversity.
5. Community Capacity Building: Strengthen community skills in nursery management, agroecology, and clean energy to support sustainable livelihoods and reduce pressure on forest resources.
6. Youth and Women Engagement: Prioritize the active involvement of youth and women groups in all stages of the project, including decision-making, implementation, and monitoring.
7. Government Collaboration: Continue partnering with government agencies for technical support, alignment with legal frameworks, and integration into county and national development plans.
8. NETFUND NETFUND framework and the Nyota Initiative by the Elgeyo Marakwet County Government has been established to leverage financial and technical support for youth.