Good News As World Bank Releases Sh26 Billion to Restore 200,000 Hectares Across 12 Kenyan Counties

Kenya is preparing to undertake an ambitious environmental restoration programme after securing Sh26 billion in funding from the World Bank to rehabilitate degraded landscapes.

The project targets approximately 200,000 hectares of damaged land across 12 counties, with an estimated 750,000 people expected to benefit from its implementation.

According to The Standard, the initiative will focus on reversing environmental degradation, improving livelihoods and strengthening communities’ ability to withstand the effects of climate change.

The programme is also expected to generate more than 25,000 employment opportunities, particularly through forestry, agroforestry and other environmentally sustainable economic activities.

Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa launched the initiative in Nairobi, bringing together government officials and other stakeholders involved in environmental protection.

The project will cover Baringo, Meru, Kitui, Tharaka-Nithi, Samburu, Isiolo, Marsabit, Makueni, Garissa, Kwale, Tana River and Laikipia counties.

Five major landscapes have been identified for restoration, including Marsabit Hills, Marmanet Hills, Nyambene Hills, Chyulu Hills and Shimba Hills.

These landscapes are important for maintaining water sources, supporting biodiversity, protecting forests and sustaining agricultural activities in surrounding communities.

During the launch, Barasa challenged implementing agencies to prioritise long-term environmental protection instead of concentrating only on tree-planting exercises.

She emphasised the need to address the underlying causes of land degradation while encouraging communities to participate actively in conservation initiatives.

The Cabinet Secretary also urged county governments to integrate the project into their development programmes and strengthen the protection of forests, riverbanks and other critical ecosystems.

The initiative will particularly create opportunities for women and young people through community-based conservation projects and environmentally friendly businesses.

The World Bank is also considering additional financing exceeding US$25 million to support forest-based enterprises and expand economic opportunities.

The proposed funding will involve contributions from ProGreen, the Climate Investment Funds and the Global Environment Facility.

Government agencies, including the Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Forestry Research Institute and National Environment Management Authority, are expected to support implementation.

The Water Resources Authority and Kenya Wildlife Service are also among the institutions expected to participate in the programme.

The initiative comes as Kenya intensifies efforts to address climate change, deforestation, soil erosion and the destruction of important water catchment areas.

It also complements the government’s ambition of restoring 10.6 million hectares of degraded landscapes by 2032.

Kenya is simultaneously pursuing its national tree-growing programme, which targets planting 15 billion trees and increasing national tree cover to 30 per cent by 2032.

The government hopes the World Bank-backed investment will deliver lasting environmental improvements while providing economic opportunities for communities living around affected landscapes.

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