14/05/2026
NETFUND held the inaugural Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting for the Cherangany Forest Ecosystem Restoration and Sustainable Management Project today in Nairobi, bringing together key partners to strengthen coordinated action on ecosystem restoration and climate resilience.
The meeting was co-chaired by Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary, Dr.Eng. Festus Ngโeno, and Dr. Marco Scoppa, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Italy in Kenya, reflecting the strong KenyaโItaly partnership driving the initiative.
The three-year project, coordinated by National Environment Trust Fund (NETFUND) and funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), aims to restore and rehabilitate the Cherangany Forest Ecosystem while improving climate resilience and enhancing livelihoods in West Pokot and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties.
In his remarks, Dr. Ngโeno highlighted the critical importance of the Cherangany Forest Ecosystem as one of Kenyaโs major water towers, supporting biodiversity conservation, water security, climate regulation, agriculture, and millions of livelihoods. He noted that the ecosystem continues to face significant pressures, including deforestation, encroachment, unsustainable land use practices, charcoal production, and the impacts of climate change.
He emphasized that the scale of restoration required calls for strong partnerships, coordinated implementation, and sustained stakeholder engagement.
The PSC meeting reviewed the first-year implementation progress, adopted the Project Steering Committee Terms of Reference, and considered the second-year workplan and budget for approval.
Key stakeholders in attendance included representatives from Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the Embassy of Italy, Kenya Forest Service (KFS) among others.
Also present were Dr. Jane Njuguna (KEFRI CEO), Hon. Jason Lagat (CECM, Elgeyo-Marakwet County), Fabio Minniti (Head of Regional Office, AICS), Ms. Mary Njogu (CEO, National Environmental Complaints Committee (NECC)), and Mr. Dario Cipolla (Environment and Agriculture Coordinator AICS)
This milestone PSC meeting reinforces the shared commitment to restoring the Cherangany Forest Ecosystem for a more resilient environment and improved community livelihoods.