Mau Forest Complex

A Lifeline for Kenya’s Water Towers

The Mau Forest Complex, a vital ecosystem spanning over 400,000 hectares, is one of Kenya’s most critical water towers. It’s the source of 12 major rivers that flow into crucial water bodies, including Lake Victoria, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, and Lake Turkana. Beyond its role in water provision, the Mau Complex, with its 22 forest blocks, is the ecological heart of the Maasai Mara and Serengeti ecosystems, supporting diverse wildlife and tourism.

The Threat to a National Treasure

Despite its immense importance, the Mau Forest Complex faces severe threats. Illegal charcoal burning, unsustainable timber harvesting, overgrazing, and forest fires are all causing significant damage. Additionally, poor agricultural practices, encroachment on riparian zones, and population growth are putting immense pressure on its resources. These challenges, combined with weak legal and institutional frameworks, pose a serious threat to the future of the Mau Complex.

A Collaborative Plan for Restoration

To combat these challenges, the State Department for Environment and Climate Change has launched a 10-year initiative called the Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Program (MFC-ICLIP). This program targets the Eastern, Molo, Western, and South-West blocks of the complex and is designed to strengthen climate resilience and enhance ecosystem functionality through a collaborative, partner-driven approach.

The Dedan Kimathi Foundation is a proud partner in this program, bringing its deep-rooted connection to forests and a strong commitment to environmental conservation. The Foundation’s history is inextricably linked to the Mau Mau freedom fighters, who used forest cover as a strategic refuge. This legacy inspires our commitment to protecting and restoring these vital ecosystems.

Our Pledge: 50 Million Trees for a Greener Future

In support of the Presidential 15 Billion National Tree Growing and Forests Restoration Campaign, the Dedan Kimathi Foundation has pledged to plant 50 million trees by 2032. The MFC-ICLIP provides a perfect platform to help us achieve this goal, and we have committed to providing 1 million tree seedlings annually to the program.

This ambitious contribution not only addresses the urgent need for environmental restoration but also honors the sacrifices of Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi and his comrades by securing a sustainable future for the communities and wildlife that depend on the Mau Complex.

Join Us

Help Us Establish a Tree Nursery

To make this commitment a reality, our conservation team is planning to establish a large-scale tree nursery near the Mau Forest Complex. This nursery will be crucial for raising the indigenous, exotic, and fruit tree seedlings needed for the restoration efforts.

We are seeking your support to help us set up this vital nursery. Your contribution, whether it’s monetary or in-kind donations of potting bags, water tanks, pipes, nursery tools, or construction materials, will directly help us protect this national treasure.

Together, we can bring the Mau Complex back to life and ensure a thriving future for all.

Please consider donating and being a part of this transformative project.