By Dorothy Musyoka
Implementation of the World Bank–funded Kenya Watershed Services Improvement Project (KEWASIP) has commenced following a high-level meeting held in Nairobi today.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Mr. Alex Lemarkoko, and was presided over by the Principal Secretary for Forestry, Mr. Gitonga Mugambi.
While addressing the meeting, the Principal Secretary called on all implementing agencies to work collaboratively to ensure the project achieves its intended outcomes.
He also urged the participating county governments to give KEWASIP full support, noting that strong coordination between national and county actors will be key to delivering lasting impact.
The PS reaffirmed his commitment to the project and expressed appreciation to the World Bank for its continued support to Kenya’s forestry and environmental agenda.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Conservator of Forests noted that KEWASIP is anchored in the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Strategy and will serve as a major pathway for accelerating the 15 Billion National Tree Growing Flagship Programme.
“Importantly, KEWASIP represents the single largest investment portfolio in Kenya’s forest sector since independence, an opportunity and responsibility that we do not take lightly,” said Mr. Lemarkoko.
In readiness for implementation, KFS has mapped 82 tree nurseries across the 12 pilot counties to support the production of the targeted one billion seedlings, alongside phased improvements to nursery infrastructure.
The project will also create opportunities for restoration-linked, nature-based enterprises, particularly in counties such as Isiolo, Tana River, Garissa, and Baringo, which are heavily affected by Prosopis invasion.
The other implementing counties under KEWASIP are Meru, Tharaka-Nithi, Kwale, Makueni, Laikipia, Samburu, Marsabit, and Kitui.
KEWASIP is a five-year project aimed at restoring critical degraded landscapes and enhancing essential watershed services across twelve pilot counties.
As one of the main implementing agencies, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) will play a key role in project delivery, drawing on its extensive experience implementing World Bank–supported forestry development programmes.
The project is expected to deliver long-term environmental, social and economic benefits through improved ecosystem services and sustainable land management.
KEWASIP is expected to play a transformative role in landscape restoration, watershed protection, and sustainable livelihoods, reinforcing Kenya’s commitment to environmental conservation and climate resilience.