Community Restoration of Kakamega Forest National Reserve

Community Restoration of Kakamega Forest National Reserve

Partner: On a Mission
Years: 2025-2027

Over the next 10 to 30 years, this reforestation project in Kakamega Forest will aim to transform 320 hectares of degraded land into a thriving rainforest. The 320,000 newly planted indigenous trees will create a biodiverse ecosystem supporting numerous threatened flora and fauna. This forest will also serve as a crucial carbon sink, sequestering substantial carbon dioxide.

Swiss based non-profit organization ON A MISSION and Swiss-Kenyan organization EMAUA undertake a reforestation project in the Kakamega Forest of Kenya. After 50,000 trees planted in 2023, and the rehabilitation of 75 ha within Kakamega forest in 2024, they are set to scale up impact.
The goal is to rehabilitate 320 hectares and to plant and monitor 320,000 indigenous trees over 36 months. Threatened species will make up 20% of the total trees planted. The area to be restored lie within the boundaries of the Kakamega National Forest Reserve and is under the protection of the Kenya Wildlife Service. This guarantees that the reforested areas will be safeguarded in the long term. This initiative goes beyond mitigating climate change, it is a catalyst for community empowerment and environmental awareness.
The success of this project hinges on a solid foundation of experienced teams, and a keen focus on indigenous species. The risk monitoring and mitigation strategy ensures a low-risk profile, backed by partners’ commitment to transparency and lasting impact. Diverse indigenous trees, carefully selected for their ecological significance, will not only combat deforestation but also foster biodiversity. The utilization of the Open Forest Protocol ensures real-time monitoring and verification of the reforestation efforts.