Partnerships drive restoration of endangered natural forests in Limuru

In partnership with Huawei Technologies, the initiative forms part of Kenya’s national ambition to grow 15 billion trees by 2032 while addressing the urgent need to protect threatened forest ecosystems.

According to the 2024 Kenya Forest Service (KFS) report, Kenya loses more than 84,000 hectares of forest cover annually to deforestation, with a further 15,000 hectares affected by forest degradation.

Limuru remains one of Kenya’s critical forest landscapes. Lari Sub-County alone hosts six of Kiambu County’s eight forests, underlining the area’s ecological significance for biodiversity, water catchment protection, and environmental sustainability.

Speaking during the exercise, Ambassador Michael Kiboino, Secretary, Management at the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, said the initiative demonstrates how diplomacy can be translated into meaningful environmental action.

“Diplomacy is not confined to boardrooms and foreign missions. Today, it is also expressed through practical action that responds to the global challenges we all share. Environmental challenges are global in nature, and through initiatives such as this, we are advancing environmental diplomacy through local action that contributes meaningfully to global environmental goals.”

He added that the partnership was “not just planting trees, but cultivating a lasting legacy of partnership, restoration and conservation of Mother Nature for posterity.”

Representing Huawei, Khadija Mohammed, Public Affairs and Media Director, said the company’s participation aligns with its sustainability agenda.

“Our support for this initiative reflects Huawei’s #Tech4All agenda, which is grounded in using technology and partnerships to create a more inclusive and sustainable future. We are proud to contribute to the protection and conservation of Mother Nature while supporting the Government of Kenya’s goal of growing 15 billion trees by 2032.”

She noted that through grassroots empowerment and partnerships, communities can strengthen climate adaptation and create lasting environmental impact.

Also under its Tech4All project, Huawei has partnered with the Kenya Wildlife Service, IUCN and the Wildlife Research and Training Institute under the Tech4Nature initiative to deploy digital conservation tools for the protection of the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve.

Samuel Kariuki, Deputy County Commissioner, Lari, noted that collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has been ongoing since 2024 and has strengthened restoration efforts in the region.

“We now need to move beyond tree planting to tree growing through consistent follow-up, monitoring and community involvement, because true success is measured by survival and sustainability,” said Kariuki.

Tom Kimani, Community Forests Association (CFA) Uplands Chairman, said conservation efforts are helping reverse destructive practices while protecting communities downstream.

“River conservation and restoration are critical to the survival of communities downstream. Before the reforestation efforts began, charcoal burning was widespread, but today we are seeing positive change through collective action,” remarked Kimani.

He added that more than 2,600 CFA and CBO members are actively involved in nurturing and safeguarding forests in the area.