A new partnership between the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) and the Laikipia County Government is set to accelerate sustainable forestry, agroforestry, and natural resource management in the region.
The partnership was reaffirmed during a high-level visit by KEFRI’s team, led by Dr. Eston Mutitu, Deputy Director for Forest Productivity and Tree Health Improvement, who represented KEFRI Director Dr. Jane Njuguna. The team met with Governor Joshua Irungu, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to guide collaborative forestry initiatives.
Areas of Collaboration Identified
According to the statement shared online by KEFRI, the MoU outlines a range of joint initiatives, including: Training and capacity building in nursery management.Joint research on key tree species such as Melia volkensii.Technical support for suitable tree-crop combinations, with a focus on intercropping with coffee—one of Laikipia’s primary cash crops.
KEFRI will also provide tree seedlings and advisory services to promote agroforestry practices throughout the county.
Seed Production and Tree Centre Expansion
The two institutions agreed to scale up production of Melia volkensii and Grevillea seeds to ensure year-round availability for farmers and conservationists.
Additionally, KEFRI will support the expansion of the Tree Seedling Centre in Laikipia.To support ongoing research, KEFRI requested additional land for establishing trial plots, with both parties committed to tree species-site matching and county-wide greening and beautification projects.
A Vision for Green Growth
Governor Irungu praised the partnership.
“We are committed to making Laikipia a model county for green growth, and this partnership with KEFRI will help us restore degraded lands while boosting livelihoods through sustainable forestry.”
The collaboration marks a significant step toward achieving both environmental conservation and economic resilience through science-backed, community-focused forestry practices.
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