Centre of Excellence in Dryland Forestry (CEDF)

Centre of Excellence in Dryland Forestry (CEDF) at Kamburu, Embu County

KenGen PLC, as East Africa’s leading energy provider, is deeply committed to business sustainability, ecological restoration, and corporate conservation initiatives. In line with this commitment, the KenGen Foundation plays a pivotal role in supporting conservation efforts that align with both the company’s strategic goals and Kenya’s broader environmental policies. One such initiative is the Tree Biotechnology Programme Trust (TBPT), which utilizes advanced clonal technologies for sustainable forest management and addresses the depletion of forest resources.
As part of its strategic focus, KenGen, alongside the KenGen Foundation and TBPT, proposes the establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Dryland Forestry (CEDF) at Kamburu. This project is aligned with Kenya’s national 15-billion-tree initiative and aims to restore degraded ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and foster a community-driven forestry culture. It also contributes significantly to the economic growth of local communities, providing sustainable solutions in areas threatened by climate change and environmental degradation.

Project Description
Dryland regions in Kenya, especially the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), are facing increasing vulnerability due to climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable land use practices. These areas, which cover approximately 80% of the country’s landmass, are characterized by erratic rainfall, high temperatures, and challenging climatic conditions. As a result, communities in these regions are suffering from severe food insecurity, poverty, and environmental degradation.
The Centre of Excellence in Dryland Forestry at Kamburu will address these pressing challenges by implementing large-scale reforestation and land restoration programs. The project aims to restore degraded lands around the Seven Forks Dams and other KenGen buffer zones, create sustainable livelihoods for local communities, and foster long-term environmental stewardship. Additionally, by integrating fast-growing tree species with indigenous ones, the project seeks to enhance biodiversity and promote sustainable forest management practices.

Project Objectives
The primary objectives of the Centre of Excellence in Dryland Forestry are to:

1. Establish a 79-acre commercial plantation and propagate 1 million high-value tree seedlings annually.
2. Protect and restore degraded forest areas around the Seven Forks Dams and other KenGen buffer zones.
3. Increase biodiversity through enrichment planting, integrating fast-growing species with indigenous trees.
4. Engage and empower local communities in tree planting, management, and income generation activities.
5. Transfer tree-growing knowledge and skills to local communities, with a focus on schools and youth groups.
6. Strengthen partnerships with government institutions, community groups, and local leaders for sustainable forestry management.

The proposed project will address several key community needs, including environmental restoration, poverty reduction, and sustainable livelihood creation. It will provide the following outcomes:

• Increased Tree Cover: The establishment of new plantations and the restoration of degraded areas will significantly increase forest cover in the dryland regions surrounding Kamburu.
• Biodiversity Enhancement: The planting of diverse tree species will create healthier ecosystems, contributing to improved biodiversity in the region.
• Community Engagement: Local communities will be actively involved in the entire process, from site preparation to tree planting and long-term maintenance.
• Baseline Data and Monitoring: Remote sensing technology will be used to monitor tree growth, biomass, and the overall health of the ecosystem.
• School Woodlots: The initiative will establish woodlots in local schools, fostering a culture of tree growing and environmental stewardship.
• Capacity Building: Local communities will gain valuable skills in tree planting, soil conservation, and forest product value addition, improving economic opportunities.
• Strengthened Community Relations: By introducing income-generating activities such as beekeeping and fruit production, the project will create sustainable livelihoods for local residents.

The Centre of Excellence in Dryland Forestry will significantly contribute to the sustainability of Kenya’s renewable energy by:

• Enhancing Ecological Balance: Greening the drylands around KenGen’s Seven Forks Dams will act as a buffer zone, protecting hydro-electric power assets from the impacts of land degradation and climate change.
• Strengthening the Corporate Image: This project highlights KenGen’s leadership in both the energy sector and corporate social responsibility, positioning the company as a champion of sustainable development.

Supporting Local Communities: Through capacity building and economic empowerment, the project will foster long-term positive relationships between KenGen and the communities surrounding its energy assets.

Partner With Us
This project offers a unique opportunity for collaboration in achieving both social and environmental goals. By supporting the Centre of Excellence in Dryland Forestry, partners will contribute to:

Ecological Restoration: The project will significantly advance reforestation and land restoration efforts in dryland regions, contributing to broader environmental sustainability.
Economic Empowerment: It will generate sustainable livelihoods for communities through job creation, agroforestry, and income-generating activities like beekeeping and fruit production.
Alignment with Global Sustainability Goals: The project supports global climate action efforts and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
National Reforestation Targets: The project is directly aligned with Kenya’s national goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032, contributing to the country’s fight against climate change.
Enhanced Brand Visibility: Sponsors will benefit from association with a highly impactful, visible project that addresses critical issues such as climate change, biodiversity, and community development.
Climate Leadership: By supporting the project, sponsors will be recognized as leaders in promoting sustainable practices and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

KenGen PLC, in partnership with the KenGen Foundation and TBPT, seeks to establish the Centre of Excellence in Dryland Forestry at Kamburu to contribute to the restoration of degraded ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and empower local communities. We invite partners to join us in this transformative initiative, which aligns with Kenya’s 15-billion-tree target and promises significant ecological, social, and economic impacts.
Together, we can turn the challenges of dryland degradation into opportunities for sustainable development, climate resilience, and improved livelihoods. We seek your support in making this vision a reality, helping farmers and communities harness climate-resilient solutions for a brighter, greener future.