Kenya Forest Service

Missed the conversation? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Catch up on the discussion with CCF Alex Lemarkoko on plantation forests in Kenya. Watch the full conversation via the link below. youtu.be/AjAgGOWqtuQ?si=WLxH… #15BillionTreesBy2032 #TreesForBetterLives #JazaMiti

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All you need to know about plantation forests in Kenya! Tune in tomorrow, Thursday, November 12, as @CapitalFMKenya hosts @CCF_Kenya, Mr. Alex Lemarkoko, for an insightful discussion on plantation forestry, sustainable forest management and the future of Kenya’s forest resources. 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Capital FM 98.4 Be informed. Join the conversation! #TreesForBetterLives #15BillionTreesBy2032

KFS, MINISTRY OF ENERGY LAUNCH 100-HECTARE FOREST RESTORATION PROJECT IN MBEU The Kenya Forest Service (KFS), through its Adopt-a-Forest Initiative, continues to strengthen partnerships with State and non-State actors to accelerate the national greening agenda and support the Government’s ambitious target of increasing the country’s tree cover to 30 per cent by 2032. Through collaborative efforts, the Service is mobilising resources, expertise and community participation to restore degraded forest landscapes, safeguard water catchments and promote sustainable forest management. Today, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Mr. Alex Lemarkoko joined Principal Secretary for Forestry Mr. Gitonga Mugambi and his Energy counterpart, Mr. Alex Wachira, in launching a 100-hectare forest restoration project in Mbeu Forest, Lower Imenti, Meru County. The four-year initiative, implemented by the State Department for Energy in partnership with the local Community Forest Association (CFA), will rehabilitate degraded sections of Mbeu Forest, strengthen its water catchment functions and enhance water flows into River Tana, which plays a critical role in supporting hydropower generation. Speaking during the launch, PS Forestry Mr. Gitonga Mugambi underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing forest conservation and restoration, noting that achieving the national tree cover target requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. He called on communities and stakeholders to take an active role in growing and protecting trees to ensure the sustainability of restoration investments. PS Energy Mr. Alex Wachira highlighted the strong link between forest conservation and energy security, noting that healthy forest ecosystems are essential in sustaining water flows into rivers that support hydropower generation. He reaffirmed the State Department’s commitment to supporting catchment restoration as part of efforts to safeguard the country’s energy infrastructure and promote environmental sustainability. CCF Mr. Alex Lemarkoko commended the State Department for Energy for its continued investment in forest restoration, emphasising that the Adopt-a-Forest Initiative provides an important platform for mobilising public and private sector partnerships towards landscape restoration. He called for sustained community involvement in tree growing, maintenance and forest protection to ensure the long-term survival of planted seedlings and the recovery of degraded ecosystems. The latest intervention builds on the State Department for Energy’s previous support for the rehabilitation of 419 hectares of degraded forest areas across Meru County, covering Mbeu Phases I and II, Nyambene Hills, Kaunga Katakene, Mucheene in Buuri and Mweru-Biankure Hill. The additional 100 hectares will further expand ongoing restoration efforts. The project is financed through the Kenya Energy Sector Environment and Social Responsibility Programme Fund (KEEP), established in 2007 to support tree growing, soil conservation and the protection of water catchment areas serving hydropower infrastructure. Beyond its environmental benefits, the initiative will create livelihood opportunities for local communities through site preparation, tree planting, weeding and forest protection, while supporting community nurseries supplying seedlings. The initiative reinforces the Government’s #15BillionTreesBy2032 campaign and demonstrates the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration in restoring degraded landscapes, securing vital water resources and building resilient ecosystems. The launch was also attended by CEO of the 15 Billion Trees National Secretariat, Mr. Felix Kisalu, and North Imenti Member of Parliament, Hon. Abdul Rahim Dawood, Meru County Forest Conservator, Mr. Wellington Ndaka among other stakeholders.

KFS LEADS UNIFORMED DISCIPLINED SERVICES IN ANNUAL COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMME The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) today led the annual Uniformed Disciplined Services Community Outreach Programme, an initiative aimed at extending compassion, support and solidarity to vulnerable members of society. As part of the programme, KFS visited Nyumbani Village Children's Home in Karen, Nairobi, where officers interacted with the children and shared moments of encouragement and goodwill. The overall outreach programme was coordinated by the Interim National Thanksgiving Committee Chairman, Mr. Patrick Namagwa, and brought together officers from the Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Police Service, Administration Police Service, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Kenya Prisons Service and National Youth Service. In a coordinated effort, each participating service visited a different children's home across Nairobi County, extending the spirit of giving back to children in need. The KFS delegation's visit to Nyumbani Village provided an opportunity to engage with the children, share encouragement and demonstrate the officers' commitment to care, compassion and community service. The annual initiative follows the National Joint Thanksgiving Service for Uniformed Disciplined Services and their families, translating the spirit of thanksgiving into practical acts of kindness and meaningful community engagement. It underscores the collective commitment of the uniformed services to complement their respective national mandates with social responsibility and service to humanity. Through this initiative, KFS reaffirms that service to the nation extends beyond official duties. By reaching out to vulnerable members of society, the Service continues to strengthen its relationship with communities and contribute to building a caring, inclusive and compassionate society. Serving beyond the uniform. Together, touching lives and strengthening communities.

KFS TARGETS 50,000 SEEDLINGS AT GETA FOREST The Kenya Forest Service (KFS), through Nyandarua Conservancy, today conducted a tree planting exercise at Geta Forest Station, Compartment 8A, targeting 50,000 seedlings following the recent rains. The site is particularly significant as it is the same location visited by the court in late October 2026 to witness the harvesting of mature plantation trees. A total of 62,000 seedlings had been mobilised, alongside other logistical arrangements, to support the exercise and facilitate the re-establishment of the harvested plantation. The initiative reinforces KFS's commitment to sustainable plantation forest management and the continued restoration of forest cover. #JazaMiti #15BillionTreesBy2032 #PandaMitiBoreshaMazingira

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ON KSh 26 BILLION KEWASIP PROJECT HELD IN NKUBU, MERU COUNTY The Government of Kenya, through @Environment_Ke, is investing KSh 26 billion in the Kenya Watershed Services Improvement Project (@KEWASIP), a strategic initiative aimed at restoring degraded landscapes, strengthening watershed protection and improving community livelihoods. Through the project, degraded catchments and forest ecosystems will be rehabilitated, water security enhanced and sustainable land management promoted. KEWASIP is also expected to strengthen climate resilience, support agricultural productivity, enhance ecosystem services and create livelihood opportunities by involving communities in conservation and landscape restoration. To advance these objectives, the Government is prioritising stakeholder engagement and community participation in the project's implementation. It is against this backdrop that Principal Secretary @Forestry__Kenya, @GMugambi_CBS, accompanied by @CCF_Kenya (CCF), Mr. Alex Lemarkoko, led a public engagement with members of the public and National Government Administration Officers (@ngaosKE) at the Imenti South Deputy County Commissioner's Office in Nkubu, Meru County. The PS emphasised that watershed protection is fundamental to national development, noting that healthy forests and functioning ecosystems are essential for securing water supplies, supporting agricultural production and sustaining community livelihoods. He called for collective responsibility and active public participation to ensure KEWASIP delivers lasting benefits. The CCF underscored the importance of collaboration between government agencies, local administration and communities in safeguarding forest ecosystems and sustaining restoration gains. He urged residents to actively participate in tree growing, forest conservation and the protection of restored landscapes. The community welcomed the initiative, expressing appreciation for the Government's investment in watershed restoration and sustainable natural resource management. Residents also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting forest conservation, tree growing and the protection of water catchments, recognising the importance of collective action in securing environmental sustainability and livelihoods for present and future generations. #15BillionTreesBy2032 #TreesForBetterLives

KFS LEADS NATIONAL JOINT THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR UNIFORMED DISCIPLINED SERVICES The Cathedral Basilica of the Holy Family in Nairobi today hosted the National Joint Thanksgiving Service for Uniformed Disciplined Services and their families, bringing together senior government officials, Service Commanders, officers, their families and clergy in a celebration of faith, unity and national service. The event marked the culmination of months of planning and inter-agency collaboration spearheaded by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) since March 2026. It brought together seven disciplined services under a shared commitment to give thanks and reaffirm their dedication to serving the nation. Delivering the sermon, the Rt. Rev. George Muthaka, O.F.M. Cap., Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Garissa, urged officers to remain grounded in faith as they navigate the demands and challenges of their calling. He commended the Service Commanders and officers for their dedication and sacrifice in safeguarding the country, encouraging them to remain steadfast in promoting peace and national harmony. The Chief Guest, Inspector General of Police Mr. Douglas Kanja Kirocho, MGH, CBS, OGW, reaffirmed the critical role of the disciplined services in safeguarding national security, maintaining public order and promoting stability. He assured the participating formations of continued support from his office and called for enhanced cooperation in addressing emerging security challenges. He also challenged Kenyans to take a firm stand against gender-based violence (GBV) and drug and substance abuse, urging individuals and communities to reject these vices and protect families from their devastating consequences. He emphasised that a secure and peaceful country requires collective responsibility, discipline and unity, while urging officers to remain committed to their constitutional mandates and serve the public with dedication. Deputy Commandant Mr. Wilson Leboo, ndc (K), representing the National Chairman, emphasised the importance of unity, mutual respect and cooperation among the participating formations. He called on officers to look beyond their individual institutional mandates and embrace a shared purpose in protecting the country, noting that the strength of the disciplined services lies in their ability to work together and support one another in discharging their responsibilities. National Coordinator Fr. Paul Miring’u appreciated all participating formations for their commitment and cooperation throughout the planning process. He particularly recognised KFS for its leadership and sustained coordination of the initiative, as well as the KFS Band for its continued contribution to the joint activities. A notable highlight of the service was the presentation of service tools and instruments of work before the Chaplaincy for blessing, symbolising the officers' dedication to duty and commitment to responsible service. The participating formations were the Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Police Service, Administration Police Service, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Kenya Prisons Service and National Youth Service. KFS's leadership in coordinating the initiative from its inception to the national celebration underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration in strengthening institutional relationships and promoting a shared commitment to national service. Beyond the prayers and thanksgiving, the gathering celebrated the sacrifices made by officers, recognised the invaluable support of their families and strengthened bonds of fellowship across the disciplined services. The occasion served as a powerful reminder that although the formations operate under different mandates, they remain united by one common purpose: protecting the people, preserving peace and building a secure and harmonious Kenya.

CCF GRACES SECOND GRADUATION AT NATIONAL BEE KEEPING INSTITUTE @CCF_Kenya (CCF) Mr. Alex Lemarkoko today graced the second graduation ceremony of @nbilenana , presided over by the Chief of Training at the State Department for Livestock Development, Ms. Rosemary Raluoch. Congratulating the graduating class, which included two foresters from the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), the CCF challenged them to apply their acquired skills in promoting sustainable livelihoods while contributing to forest conservation and ecosystem protection. He highlighted the strong connection between apiculture and forestry, noting that healthy forest ecosystems provide essential forage for bees, while bees support pollination, biodiversity conservation and natural regeneration. He observed that beekeeping also offers communities forest-based economic opportunities through honey production, value addition and marketing of bee products, creating alternative livelihoods while strengthening incentives for forest protection. The CCF encouraged young people to embrace practical skills training as a pathway to entrepreneurship, self-reliance and employment creation. He further called on Kenyans to intensify tree-growing efforts, emphasising the role of trees in climate change mitigation, water catchment protection and biodiversity conservation. Situated within a forest environment, the National Bee Keeping Institute provides a practical setting for demonstrating the relationship between forest health and sustainable apiculture. The longstanding collaboration between KFS and the Institute underscores the importance of institutional partnerships in integrating forestry, biodiversity conservation and enterprise development. The CCF was accompanied by Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests (DCCF), Natural Forests, Ms. Beatrice Mbula; Regional Forest Conservator (RFC), Nairobi, Ms. Joyce Nthuku; and other KFS officers.

KFS CHAIRMAN PARTICIPATES IN CAPACITY BUILDING FORUM ON HUMAN RESOURCE MATTERS The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Board Chairman, HSC Mr. Titus Kipkoech Korir, is attending the Capacity Building Forum for State Corporations and Public Universities on Human Resource Matters Arising from Disciplinary Appeals and Other Related Human Resource Matters, alongside Board Member Mr. Abraham Barsosio, who chairs the Board Human Resource and Administration Committee. The forum, taking place at the Kenya School of Government (KSG) from 2nd to 3rd November 2026, for the first cohort, follows the gazettement of the Public Service Commission (State Corporations and Public Universities) (Disciplinary Appeals Procedures) Regulations, 2025, which provide a framework for handling disciplinary appeals within state corporations and public universities. The two-day forum brings together directors and Chief Executive Officers from various public institutions to strengthen their understanding and management of human resource matters, particularly disciplinary appeals and related administrative processes. The first day provided an opportunity for institutional leaders to engage on key human resource issues, share experiences and enhance their capacity in handling matters affecting public sector governance and institutional management. #KenyaForestService #PublicService #HumanResourceManagement #CapacityBuilding

Forest Society of Kenya President Ms Charity Munyasya articulates harvesting of plantation forests. youtu.be/tGdfD72WJhI?si=CUVU…

KENYA WATERSHED SERVICES IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (KEWASIP) LAUNCHED @CCF_Kenya (CCF) Mr. Alex Lemarkoko today joined Cabinet Secretary for @Environment_Ke, @DeboraBarasa , Principal Secretary @Forestry__Kenya Mr. @GMugambi_CBS, Laikipia County Governor @GVNJoshuaIrungu, PS @irrigationke, @EphantusKim and @WildlifeKe_ counterpart @PSMuseiya, @WorldBankKenya representatives, @KenyaGovernors CEO Ms. Mary Mwiti, and chief executives of implementing agencies for the official launch of the Kenya Watershed Services Improvement Project (KEWASIP). The launch, held in Nairobi, marks the commencement of one of the country's major natural resource management and restoration initiatives. The five-year project is expected to restore more than five major watersheds and improve the livelihoods of thousands of beneficiaries across 12 implementing counties. Speaking at the event, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Barasa said the project seeks to strengthen interventions aimed at restoring degraded landscapes, improving watershed services and enhancing the resilience of communities and ecosystems that depend on healthy watersheds. In his remarks, Principal Secretary Mr. Mugambi underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in project implementation, particularly in the utilisation of allocated resources. He called on all implementing partners to work collaboratively to ensure the successful delivery of the five-year initiative. On his part, the CCF noted that Kenya Forest Service (KFS), as one of the key implementing agencies, would play a leading role in ensuring the project's success through the provision of technical expertise and implementation of activities aimed at restoring degraded landscapes. He further observed that the project would contribute significantly to the achievement of the 15 Billion Tree Growing Campaign through the provision of more than 250 million seedlings. "Through its mandate to conserve, develop and sustainably manage forest resources, KFS remains a key institutional partner in advancing watershed protection, forest restoration and the country's broader environmental sustainability agenda," said Mr. Lemarkoko. The initiative underscores the importance of a coordinated, whole-of-government and multi-stakeholder approach to protecting Kenya's water towers, restoring critical ecosystems and safeguarding essential ecosystem services for present and future generations.

Catch the Chief Conservator of Forests, Alex Lemarkoko, EBS, NDC (K), live on Citizen TV’s Kenya's Gold as he unravels forest plantations, separating facts fromt myths and addressing key issues surrounding commercial forestry in Kenya. youtube.com/live/gyp8Onb4vmk… #KenyaForestService #ForestConservation #PlantationForestry #KenyaIsGold