Kenya

In Kenya, our work is dedicated to restoring vital ecosystems, where tree planting will have the fastest, most lasting impact for the planet and for the communities who plant them.

Our projects target degraded landscapes that are essential for biodiversity, livelihoods and the national economy. But our holistic approach does more than just plant trees. We collaborate with communities and partners to tackle social, economic, and environmental challenges together.

Our projects in Kenya focus on the places we can make the most lasting impact:

  • Water towers – Highland forests that serve as natural reservoirs, providing freshwater to millions.

  • Kakamega rainforest – Rich in biodiversity and a critical habitat.

  • Drylands – Arid landscapes where desertification is taking hold.

  • Wetlands – Crucial habitats which filter water and prevent floods.

By restoring precious ecosystems, we are ensuring that they continue to sustain both nature and local communities.

Drylands

Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands cover over 80% of the country, home to pastoral communities and 80% of Kenya’s biodiversity. Yet, these fragile landscapes face climate extremes, dwindling resource and rapid environmental degradation.

The exploitation of these fragile forest ecosystems is urgent. So we are equipping local communities to take an active role in the stewardship and restoration of their environment.

In partnership with local communities, we’re restoring ecosystems places like in Kitui, Tharaka, Marsabit, Ndaragwa, and West Pokot. Our projects are doing more than just planting trees, they are introducing sustainable farming, improving food security, increasing household incomes and providing energy security.

Zai pits

Originally developed in West Africa, Zai pits are small, dug-out basins filled with organic matter that capture rainwater and runoff, allowing crops to grow in otherwise unproductive soils.

Zai pits help restore soil fertility, retain water and reduce erosion. And with the ability to support up to 20 seedlings in each pit, Zai pits increase crop yields and are a much-needed solution for dryland farming.

In Kitui and West Pokot lowlands, where water is often scarce and soils are poor, vertical gardens are a gamechanger. These vertically layered gardens allow farmers to maximize space and grow a variety of crops, including vegetables, herbs and fruits like strawberries with minimal water. One multi-storey garden can hold up to 130 plants in just a few square feet, making it an ideal solution for households in dry climates with limited water, resources or space.

The results have been life changing for the community. One farmer in Kitui told us, “Before, we struggled to put food on the table during the dry season. Now, with my vertical garden, we always have fresh vegetables and I’ve even started selling some at the market. It has changed our lives.”

Threatened trees

In Kenya, there are 1,100 native tree species, of which 10% are threatened with extinction. We’re working with local communities to ensure that none of these precious trees go extinct.

Our threatened tree species projects train people to identify mother trees in the wild. And understand their flowering patterns to recognise the best time to collect the seeds.

The next crucial stage involves proper seed handling and nursery management, where careful techniques are applied to maximize germination rates and support successful seedling development.

Restoring the last rainforest

Kakamega Forest, is the last remnant of Kenya’s great rainforest – home to rare endemic species. Ten to twenty percent of its species exist nowhere else in Kenya. It’s also a vital water source, feeding rivers that flow into Lake Victoria.

Yet, deforestation, illegal logging, and invasive species threaten its survival.

In partnership with Kenya Forest Service, local governments, and Women in Water & Natural Resources Conservation (WWNC), we’re planting trees to restore vast hectares of this critical habitat for unique birds, insects, and wildlife and equipping community members to flourish with sustainable livelihoods.

“The lost glory of this section of the forest is slowly coming back.

Many rivers had dried up due to degradation of this forest. Now we have enough rain and the River Yala is regaining life as it flows into Lake Victoria. This is very important to the whole African continent.”

Aggrey Mambili

Kenya is the birthplace of the International Tree Foundation and our mission remains deeply rooted in its landscapes. Despite a century of progress, deforestation, climate change and biodiversity loss continue to threaten Kenya’s forests, water sources and communities. By planting trees, we restore critical ecosystems, protect wildlife, and support local livelihoods, ensuring that Kenya’s natural heritage thrives for future generations. As we honour our legacy, we remain committed to greening Kenya, just as we did when ITF was founded over 100 years ago.

Our approach

  • We are community-led

    Through radical listening, we engage communities to identify their needs and ideas. Together, create practical, locally-driven solutions that include everyone—especially women, young people, and vulnerable groups.

  • Multiple impact approach

    Our mission goes beyond planting trees. We’re restoring damaged landscapes while helping communities thrive with better livelihoods, stronger economies, and healthier ecosystems.

  • Protecting endangered trees

    We combine indigenous knowledge and scientific methods to protect endangered and threatened native trees. From identifying and propagating these vital species to planting them, we follow international standards like the IUCN Red List and Plant for the Planet.

  • Participatory monitoring

    By involving communities and using cutting-edge GIS technology, we collect real-time data to track progress, learn what’s working, and improve as we go. This approach ensures an impressive 85% or higher tree survival rate.

Creating sustainable livelihoods

In Kenya, we’re diversifying our livelihood improvement initiatives that sit alongside tree planting. Agroforestry, bee keeping, vertical gardens, zai pits and eco-stoves are just some of the ways our projects are creating multiple impacts for communities, socially, ecologically and also economically.

These projects are creating nature-based enterprises and improving health – with farmers growing more fruits and vegetables, while eco-stoves are improving air quality in homes for thousands of families.

Ecofriendly stoves are crafted from clay which is locally available, making them affordable and accessible for local communities. And they are more efficient than traditional stoves as they require one third of the firewood of the old stoves. So, they not only help reduce pressure on forest, they also free up time for women and girls, who mainly bear the burden of fetching firewood.

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Wetlands

Kenya’s wetlands – lakes, swamps, rivers and marshes – provide clean water, fertile soils, fish, pasture, flood control, water filtration and carbon storage. However, these ecosystems face mounting threats from encroachment, climate change, and pollution.

Our planting is protecting key wetlands like Lake Nakuru, Lake Bogoria, Lake Elementaita, and Lake Ol’ Bolossat. By restoring forests such as Dundori, Kabatini, Bahati, and Ndaragwa, we enhance water quality, strengthen hydrological cycles and guard these ecosystems for future generations. Through tree planting and habitat restoration, we are safeguarding wetlands that are vital for both wildlife and local communities.

Plant trees and restore forests today

Can you imagine a world without trees? Neither can we. Your support today can plant trees, bring forests back to life and help nature recover for people and planet.