The Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Dr. Festus Ngeno, has expressed satisfaction with the progress being made in restoring the Mau Forest Complex through a community-driven approach.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the TELIS programme at Gacharage Forest Block in Kuresoi North Sub-County, Nakuru County, Dr. Ngeno said the initiative is demonstrating that environmental conservation and livelihood improvement can successfully go hand in hand.
Through the Trees Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (TELIS), communities from Gacharage, Silibwet, Silibonik, Kimoso, Kaplong and Mororbei villages have been actively engaged in forest restoration activities.
“Their commitment demonstrates that sustainable conservation and improved livelihoods can go hand in hand,” the Principal Secretary said.
So far, 800 plots measuring half an acre each have been allocated to farmers in an ongoing process aimed at supporting reforestation while enhancing household incomes.
Dr. Ngeno also announced that Marindas Beat has been approved by the Kenya Forest Service for inclusion in the TELIS programme, a move expected to further expand the initiative’s impact.
The PS was accompanied by Kuresoi North MP Alfred Mutai and Elizabeth Wathuti, also known as Liz Mazingira, Founder of the Green Generation Initiative, during the inspection tour.
Dr. Ngeno said he was impressed by the progress achieved so far and commended the strong collaboration between communities, government leadership and conservation partners.
The MFC-ICLIP programme continues to stand out as a model of inclusive environmental stewardship, aimed at restoring degraded forest areas, strengthening community livelihoods and securing a greener future for generations to come.
