Restoring “Murimas” Forests: Mount Kenya Trust’s Restoration Project.

Mount Kenya’s forests have experienced significant degradation over the past few decades due to large-scale clearing for timber and agricultural land. This situation has been driven by rapid population growth and exacerbated by poverty. Studies predict that by 2040, the forest areas of Mount Kenya could lose 49-55% of their vegetation cover as a result of climate change and human activities (Source: Down to Earth, Centre for Science and Environment, 2024). Illegal logging, agricultural encroachment, charcoal production, and unregulated grazing have all contributed to increased forest degradation in the Mount Kenya ecosystem. Notably, from 2006 to 2020, illegal logging activities increased by 3.5 times, and charcoal production rose by 74% (Source: IUCN World Heritage Outlook – Mount Kenya National Park/Natural Forest).

In recent years, discussions surrounding forest restoration have gained significant momentum, particularly in areas where vital ecosystems, such as the Mount Kenya Forest Ecosystem, have suffered extensive damage. At Mount Kenya Trust, we are committed to our mission to sustainably conserve the Mt. Kenya Ecosystem, especially restoration by implementing diverse strategies, influencing policy changes, and collaborating to restore the region's lush landscapes for over two decades of our operations, which are mainly on the N.E side of Mt.Kenya - Meru County. 

MKT Restoration Project Manager, Humphrey Munene. For over twenty years, he has taken the lead in landscape restoration .

Through strategic partnerships and collaboration, MKT works with stakeholders to implement sustainable practices that rejuvenate the Mt. Kenya Forest Ecosystem and promote a greener future through restoration. MKT's collaboration with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has successfully planted over 2 million trees and restored significant hectares in the degraded parts of Mt. Kenya Forest. 

Among the strategies adopted by MKT for its restoration efforts is the Tree Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (TELIS), which actively involves local communities, mainly through Community Forest Associations (CFA). The Forest Conservation and Management Act, No. 34 of 2016, grants Community Forest Associations (CFAS) user rights, enabling them to partner with the KFS to co-manage forest resources. These rights empower communities to participate in TELIS activities.

Understanding TELIS

TELIS (Tree Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme), coined from PELIS, which is currently used in forest plantation areas, was designed to restore degraded indigenous forest areas and improve local livelihoods by increasing forest cover, curbing illegal logging, and actively involving communities in reforestation and forest management, to include activities like tree planting and removal of invasive/undesired species.

Farmer plant potatoes at the restoration site through TELIS.

The Shamba system, which originated in colonial Kenya in 1910, allowed communities to cultivate crops within forest plantations to support regeneration. However, due to widespread abuse that resulted in deforestation, illegal logging, and land grabbing, where many prioritised farming over conservation, the system was banned in 1986. Despite its initial promise, it became evident that the Shamba system significantly contributed to the degradation of Kenya's natural forests. In 1994, attempts were made to reintroduce the system, but it was banned again in 2003. 

Following this, in 2007, the concept was revived as the Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS). This scheme aimed to enhance forest plantation management and community welfare with stricter oversight from the Kenya Forest Service, thus avoiding the pitfalls of its predecessor. TELIS later originated from restoration areas that were not designated as tree plantations.

A Community-Centric Approach to Restoration

TELIS adopts a comprehensive approach to environmental conservation and economic resilience by prioritising community-driven restoration initiatives that promote sustainable forest recovery while enhancing local livelihoods. By involving local communities in planting and maintaining trees, this strategy aligns with Mount Kenya Trust's mission and vision, where community involvement is crucial. We have adopted this approach at the MKT restoration sites: Ontulili-Karuri, Marania, Upper Imenti, and Lower Imenti. At the sites, MKT also employs various restoration methods, such as enrichment planting, which is used when TELIS is not feasible due to difficult terrains like steep slopes or riverbanks.  

A farmer prepares his allocated plot for cultivation. The stakes indicate where the tree seedlings are to be planted.

TELIS empowers local communities to cultivate crops like potatoes, peas and beans alongside young tree seedlings, creating a unique synergy between agriculture and reforestation. One of the standout advantages of this approach is the strong sense of ownership it fosters among community members. With a personal investment in their designated plots, locals feel motivated to diligently care for the newly planted trees, recognising that these seedlings are essential for the sustainability of their farming practices.

This commitment leads to significant improvements in tree growth. For instance, regular weeding allows more sunlight to reach the young saplings and helps enrich the soil with organic matter from the crops. As community members take proactive measures to protect their agricultural yields, these collaborative efforts ensure healthier, better-maintained tree seedlings that are safe from wildlife damage. 

Farmers can use their plots for crops until the trees grow tall enough to cast shade to challenge their agricultural activities. This dual focus on crop production and tree planting ultimately benefits the community and the environment, offering a sustainable model for forest restoration.

Community Benefits Beyond Restoration

One of the most uplifting outcomes of the TELIS approach is the positive economic transformation experienced by local communities. By cultivating crops sustainably over the long term to generate income, these communities have significantly reduced their reliance on forest resources, decreasing illegal activities such as poaching and logging.

This sustainable restoration model strengthens restoration efforts and empowers communities. It enables access to health care, education, and food, invests in long-term projects, and ultimately improves communities' livelihoods.

Farmer & her harvested crop from TELIS

A livelihood survey conducted by MKT Household assessed the impacts of forest restoration initiatives on local households. The survey revealed that an impressive 99.47% of respondents were members of a Community Forest Association (CFA), with nearly equal representation from the Marania (49.87%) and Ontulili (49.6%) communities. Additionally, the findings indicated that most households—95.5% of those affected—reported improved food availability due to the forest restoration efforts.

Despite its promise, navigating the TELIS initiative is not without challenges. Mismanagement can easily tip the balance, causing crops to be prioritised over trees. MKT tree monitors, regularly check the plots to ensure seedling health & overcome negligence. Additionally, political disputes within Community Forest Associations (CFAS) may obstruct progress, and negligence during site preparation can hinder natural tree regeneration. 

MKT - Empowering Communities Through Reforestation

Mount Kenya Trust (MKT) is deeply committed to restoring degraded areas through large-scale reforestation efforts, strengthening community-led forest management, and improving community well-being and livelihoods—priorities that are firmly embedded in MKT's strategic plan’s goals and objectives (2025 – 2029)

We are focused on enhancing the long-term sustainability of our restoration initiatives through community education and engagement, particularly in sustainable practices. Another goal is strengthening CFA's capacity by providing training in sustainable resource management, advocacy, and governance. By building governance structures within Community Forest Associations (CFAs) and encouraging open dialogues, we aim to address challenges and improve our community-driven restoration efforts.

Humphrey inspects tree seedlings from community tree nurseries before purchasing & transportation to MKT restoration sites.

We also promote economic empowerment through conservation-linked enterprises. MKT supports community-run tree nurseries that provide seedlings for forest restoration. We train communities in establishing and managing these nurseries and offer support with various equipment, such as tanks, dam liners, shade nets, wheelbarrows, etc. MKT purchases seedlings from these nurseries, allowing them to earn income and improve their livelihoods, which fosters community resilience. In 2024, MKT invested significantly by purchasing 345,715 seedlings from 19 community-operated nurseries. 7,697,610 KES was channelled to these communities, improving their socio-economic wellbeing.

Support MKT Restoration

TELIS represents a significant advancement in restoring the "Murimas" forests. Through this model, MKT can restore the vital Mt. Kenya ecosystem while prioritising community involvement, sustainable practices, and improving local livelihoods. As we look to the future, embracing such holistic approaches will be key to combating deforestation and ensuring the longevity of invaluable forest resources. 

Support MKT restoration, support communities. Join MKT in our mission to sustainably conserve the Mt. Kenya Ecosystem.

Click the link to donate or partner: https://www.mountkenyatrust.org/get-involved

Images by - Robin De Leeuw , David Ndivo.