KFS Commissions Sh75 Million GreenZones Resource Centre, Rallies Support for Forest Protection Initiatives
By Peace Muthoka
NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has commissioned the GreenZones Development Support Project II Resource Centre, a Sh75 million facility funded by the African Development Bank, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen forest conservation and community participation in environmental restoration.
The Green Zones Development Support Project Phase II was a partnership between the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Government of Kenya and local communities that ran from 2019 to June 2026. The project sought to improve forest conservation, strengthen climate resilience and support community livelihoods through sustainable forest management.
It was implemented in 15 counties and recorded key achievements, including the production of more than 151 million tree seedlings, rehabilitation of over 15,000 hectares of degraded forests, construction of 120 kilometres of solar electric fencing, creation of more than 14,000 jobs and direct benefits to over six million people.
Speaking during the official opening, Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko said the new resource centre will boost KFS’s conservation programmes while enhancing training, research and collaboration with communities involved in restoring degraded landscapes.
Lemarkoko said KFS has expanded its workforce by employing more foresters to strengthen forest management across the country. At the same time, he noted that the Service continues to work closely with community and women’s groups by purchasing tree seedlings they raise in local nurseries, enabling them to earn an income while contributing to the national tree-growing campaign.
He further reaffirmed KFS’s commitment to partnering with faith-based organisations and other stakeholders to promote environmental conservation alongside community development.
Looking ahead, Lemarkoko called on Kenyans to participate in activities marking the upcoming International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem. He urged individuals, institutions and communities to embrace tree planting in every suitable location.
“We are insisting that trees must be planted everywhere, including schools, institutions, public spaces and even cemeteries because we have suitable species for those areas,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Conservator defended ongoing forest protection measures, saying KFS remains focused on securing the country’s forests through well-planned conservation interventions.
He explained that the Service is continuing with the fencing of selected forests to reduce illegal encroachment and protect fragile ecosystems. Before undertaking the exercise, KFS carried out environmental impact assessments and consulted local leaders, communities and other stakeholders to ensure the programme addresses conservation needs while considering public concerns.
Lemarkoko clarified that fencing will not deny communities their legal rights to access forests. Instead, KFS will provide designated entry and exit points where people can exercise rights guaranteed under the Constitution and the Forest Conservation and Management Act.
“Our responsibility is to secure our forests. Communities with legally recognised rights will continue accessing them through designated gates and openings,” he said.
Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko speaking during the official opening at KFS Headquarters.
In addition, Lemarkoko announced that KFS is establishing an airstrip at Menti to improve aerial surveillance, strengthen wildfire response and enhance the protection of Kenya’s forest ecosystems.
He maintained that the project forms part of KFS’s broader strategy to safeguard forests and will proceed as planned.
“When we are doing the right thing, we will not say sorry. Where mistakes are identified, we will correct them, but we ask Kenyans to support us as we work to protect our forests,” he said.
The GreenZones Development Support Project II Resource Centre is expected to serve as a focal point for conservation training, environmental education, research and community engagement, reinforcing Kenya’s efforts to restore degraded forests and increase national tree cover.
