Mau Forest restoration records major gains- PS Ng’eno

The ongoing effort to restore Mau Forest complex has registered massive achievements, Environment PS Festus Ng’eno has said.

Ng’eno, who is also the Patron of Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme (MFCICLIP) noted that that some 1.5 million tree seedlings have been grown so far.

"We have mapped 3,313 hectares for restoration and restored 1,500 hectares (grown 1.5m tree seedlings) of degraded forest, alongside low-cost fencing, constructing a ranger outpost, and improving community access to water through boreholes and dam rehabilitation," Ng'eno said.

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Ng'eno spoke on Monday during the official launch of the 2nd Edition of the Mau Conservation Marathon and the Commissioning of the Registration Portal.

At the community level, the PS disclosed that over 3,150 farmers have been empowered through the provision of dairy equipment, certified potato seeds, beehives, and a wide range of tree seedlings, supported by the establishment of nurseries and promotion of agroforestry.

The inaugural Mau Conservation Marathon in October 24 last year attracted over 1,019 participants.

The first edition of the programme was launched by President William Ruto October 27, 2025, marking the beginning of a bold and transformative 10-year journey.

Ng'eno said a total of 120 participants took part in the inaugural edition.

The top 30 females and males in both the 21 km and 10 km races, cumulatively took home Sh3,394,000, he said.

Ng'eno said the top in 21km male and female was awarded Sh 350,000 each while the top10km male and female each garnered Sh100,000.

To motivate the participants, Ruto awarded Sh 2,000,000 to the 120 Winning Participants each taking about Sh 16,000.

Mau Forest Complex is one of Kenya’s most critical water towers, supporting livelihoods, biodiversity, and climate resilience across the region.

The new initiative was designed as a comprehensive and integrated response to restore degraded landscapes while improving the socio-economic well-being of forest-adjacent communities.

The Patron said the marathon clearly demonstrates the growing role of sports in advancing conservation awareness and what can be accomplished through partnership, commitment, and community engagement.

Ng'eno said as the second edition slated for July, 2026, kicks off, they are scaling up their efforts with greater ambition.

"We aim to expand restoration efforts, strengthen livelihoods, promote circular economy practices, and enhance environmental education."

He said that in the second edition, the Marathon will be tough.

"In terms of altitude, the lowest is 2559m and the highest is 2793m,"he said.

Ng'eno said a full marathon of 42 kilometers will be introduced, a move aimed at inching it closer to international Marathon.

"We shall this time award 120 athletes spread across the top 20 in the 42, 21 and 10 km. The number ones in 42,21 and 10 Km (both female and male), will take home Sh600,000, Sh350,000 and KES 100,000 respectively."

Ng'eno said the payout will in total be Sh7, 800,000 as prize money.

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika said the Marathon has proved that conservation and community progress can move forward together.

Kihika in a speech read on her behalf by her deputy David Kones, said the Mau Forest Complex is not just important to Nakuru County—it is vital to Kenya and significant far beyond our borders.

"As one of our main water towers, it sustains rivers, supports biodiversity, regulates climate, and underpins millions of livelihoods. Protecting it is not a choice; it is a duty we all share, requiring coordination across county, national, and global levels."

Kihika said the progress made so far under the MFC-ICLIP Programme is both encouraging and commendable.

"The restoration of over 1,200 hectares of degraded forest land, alongside the planting of more than one million tree seedlings, marks a major step forward. Just as important are the community-focused initiatives that are already changing lives in tangible ways."

Kihika said the county government has taken deliberate steps to complement these efforts.

"Through our countywide greening programme, we have planted millions of trees across schools, farms, public spaces, and riparian areas. We have strengthened community tree nurseries, promoted farm forestry, and restored degraded landscapes, all while working closely with local communities to ensure ownership and long-term sustainability."

She said the efforts are part of our broader commitment to increasing forest cover and safeguarding our environment for future generations.