Kenya counts on KFS to reach its forest and landscape restoration (FLR) target to increase and maintain 10% tree cover by 2022 and to restore 5.1 million ha of degraded land by 2030. In 2021, KFS restored 70,000 hectares of degraded forests and built partnerships that complement its restoration efforts.
FSC has been working with KFS since 2021 to strengthen sustainable forest management and promote restoration of degraded landscapes and biodiversity. An FSC delegation led by Dr Harrison Kojwang, the outgoing FSC Africa Regional Director, met Mr. Julius Kamau, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) of KFS, at his office in Karura, Nairobi, on September 6, 2022.
During the meeting, the two institutions examined the certification process and strategies and plans that can strengthen the restoration of forest ecosystems in the country. Amongst them is a series of capacity development programmes that FSC Eastern Africa has tailored for technical officers from the forest blocks selected for forest management certification.
KFS wants the certification process to integrate forest communities from inception. "Communities are key stakeholders and should own the process because they are permanent residents among the beneficiaries," Mr Kamau said. Mr Julius Kamau said his office is committed to supporting the implementation of the FSC certification process. That is why he appointed Dr Clement Ng’oriareng, Deputy CCF, Drylands and Private Forestry Coordination Program to lead the team of technical officers from KFS assigned to support the process.
During the meeting, FSC introduced Dr Peter Alele, the incoming Africa Regional Director, to the service. Mr Kamau conveyed good wishes to Dr Harrison Kojwang as he takes up an advisory role at the FSC. In his remarks, he assured the team of the service's continued cooperation with FSC under the leadership of Dr Alele.
"We are in this together," said Dr Peter to KFS leadership. "It is a critical time to manage our forest resources and the FSC is committed to collaborating with local communities and public and private institutions to promote sustainable use of forests."