- Currently, the project involves the gradual removal of exotic plantations, which have historically dominated Karura with 70% tree cover, primarily consisting of cypress and eucalyptus planted for commercial purposes.
The Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Aden Duale has announced the government's strong commitment to restoring the Karura Forest Reserve and other green spaces into thriving, sustainable indigenous upland forests.
This initiative is inspired by the vision of the late Prof. Wangari Maathai, a revered environmentalist. Guided by the Karura Participatory Forest Management Plan (KPFMP), adopted in 2018, the restoration effort employs a phased and scientific approach aimed at transforming Karura into a conservation forest that balances biodiversity with public utility.
Currently, the project involves the gradual removal of exotic plantations, which have historically dominated Karura with 70% tree cover, primarily consisting of cypress and eucalyptus planted for commercial purposes.
“To restore ecological balance, a clear-felling strategy is being implemented to systematically remove these non-native species while minimizing disruptions to wildlife and public activities. In addition, the initiative includes the annual replanting of five hectares of felled land with native trees that will not require harvesting. This effort not only enhances biodiversity but also ensures the long-term ecological integrity of the forest,” Duale said.
The restoration project is a collaborative effort between the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and Friends of Karura Forest (FKF), honoring Prof. Maathai's dream of a flourishing forest that supports biodiversity, mitigates climate change, and serves as a serene retreat for Nairobi residents. Duale emphasized the need for public patience throughout this process, stating that restoring Karura is a labor of love that demands time, dedication, and careful stewardship.
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