Saving Mau Forest, is Saving the indigenous Ogiek peoples livelihoods, cultural heritage and way of life.

Significance of Mau Forest

The Mau Forest is more than a swath of trees—it is an ecological linchpin for Kenya and the wider East African region. Spanning approximately 400,000 hectares, it is the largest of Kenya’s five major water towers and serves as the primary source for twelve major rivers that feed into the Great Rift Valley lakes. These rivers, including the river Mara (that cuts across the world-famous Maasai Mara game reserve) and Njoro, sustain agriculture, provide drinking water, and support biodiversity throughout the region. The Mara River, in particular, is famed for its role in the annual wildebeest migration across the Maasai Mara, a spectacle that attracts global attention and underpins local economies through tourism. Lake Nakuru, fed by the Mau’s rivers, is celebrated for its flamingo populations and is a UNESCO World heritage Site. The forest itself harbours countless plant and animal species, many of which are endemic or threatened. It functions as a carbon sink, moderating climate and supporting rainfall patterns critical for agriculture and human well-being.Most importantly it is the traditional home of the Indigenous minority and forest dependent Ogiek peoples.

About the Ogiek

Ogiek are an indigenous minority, marginalized hunter gatherer community whose ancestral territories are Mau Forest. Their tradtions,livelihood and way of livelihood is intrinsically linked to the forest. The have lived harmoniously with nature since time immemorial. Culturally, the Mau Forest is sacred to them and other indigenous groups, serving as a repository of traditional knowledge, spiritual practices, and social identity. The loss or degradation of the forest threatens not only ecological integrity but also the cultural heritage of its custodians. Yet, the Mau Forest faces severe threats: illegal logging, charcoal production, agricultural encroachment, forest fires, and unsustainable resource extraction. These pressures have led to alarming rates of deforestation, loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and diminished water quality. Conservation priorities thus include halting deforestation, restoring degraded areas, strengthening community land rights, and promoting sustainable forest management practices. The urgency of intervention is underscored by recent studies indicating that Kenya’s water towers are shrinking, jeopardizing national water security and rural livelihoods (Kenya Water Towers Agency, 2021)

In this context, PROHOME’s work is indispensable. By restoring the Mau Forest, the organization contributes to regional stability, climate resilience, and the preservation of irreplaceable natural and cultural assets.

Over the past three years, PROHOME has spearheaded an ambitious program of restoration in the Mau forest, focused on reforestation with indigenous tree species. This initiative is grounded in both scientific evidence and traditional ecological knowledge, ensuring that restoration is effective, culturally appropriate, and ecologically sound. Restoration activities begin with careful site selection, prioritizing areas most affected by deforestation and land degradation. The organization conducts baseline ecological assessments, mapping out soil conditions, hydrology, and existing vegetation. Community members are trained in nursery management, seed collection, and planting techniques, with particular attention to the needs of indigenous species.

The Indigenous Trees Rescue Hub serves as the primary source of seedlings, ensuring genetic diversity and resilience. Planting occurs during optimal seasons to maximize survival rates, with follow-up monitoring to assess growth, survival, and ecological impact. Restoration is not limited to tree planting; it includes soil stabilization, invasive species removal, and the reintroduction of native undergrowth. Challenges are many: limited funding, unpredictable weather, grazing pressure, and logistical hurdles.

Despite these, PROHOME has succeeded in planting over 5000 of indigenous trees, restoring and reversing degradation in key areas. The organization’s transparent reporting and adaptive management have enabled continuous improvement and stakeholder confidence. Outcomes are visible and measurable. Restored areas show increased canopy cover, improved soil quality, and the return of wildlife. Community members report enhanced water availability and renewed opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. The restoration program has also served as a model for other organizations, attracting visits from policymakers, researchers, and international partners.

The Indigenous Trees Rescue Hub

At the heart of PROHOME’s restoration strategy lies the indigenous Trees Rescue Hub, a specialized facility dedicated to the rescue, nurturing, and propagation of native tree seedlings. The hub operates as a sanctuary for young plants that might otherwise be lost to agricultural expansion, grazing, or land clearing. Seedling rescue is a meticulous process.

PROHOME field teams survey farm fields, pastures, and degraded forest patches, identifying indigenous seedlings at risk. These are carefully uprooted, transported to the hub, and replanted in controlled conditions. The hub is equipped with shaded nurseries, irrigation systems, and organic soil amendments to ensure optimal growth. Nurturing protocols are rigorous, combining scientific best practices with Ogiek traditional knowledge. Seedlings are monitored for pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies. Staff and community volunteers receive ongoing training in nursery management, ensuring high survival rates and robust growth. Educational outreach is integral to the hub’s mission; local schools and youth groups visit regularly, participating in hands-on conservation activities and learning about the importance of native trees.

Over three years, the hub has rescued and nurtured 8000 seedlings, with more than 3,000 planted in local schools as part of a broader effort of instilling environmental stewardship to the next generation. The hub ‘success demonstrates the potential of community-led conservation, combining innovation, education, and cultural pride to reverse ecological decline. Plans are underway to expand the hub’s capacity, incorporating advanced propagation techniques, greenhouse facilities, and partnerships with research institutions. This will enable PROHOME to scale up restoration efforts and serve as a centre of excellence for indigenous tree conservation in Kenya.

Scaling Up and Resource Needs

The urgency of scaling up restoration efforts in the Mau Forest cannot be overstated. Having exhausted the matured and ready seedlings from the Indigenous Trees Rescue Hub, PROHOME is poised to embark on a new phase: nurturing up to 10,000 seedlings for replanting in degraded areas. This ambitious goal is driven by the scale of ecological loss, the needs of the Ogiek community, and the potential for transformative impact. Nurturing seedlings in their early stages is resource intensive. It requires high-quality soil, organic fertilizers, irrigation systems, protective infrastructure, skilled labour, and ongoing monitoring. The organization estimates that a minimum of USD 15,000 is needed to cover these costs, including nursery expansion, equipment procurement, field operations, and community training. Funding is also needed for educational outreach, capacity building, and documentation—ensuring that restoration is not merely an ecological intervention but a catalyst for social change.

Anticipated outcomes

Includes increased forest cover, improved water quality, enhanced biodiversity, and strengthened community resilience. PROHOME’s sustainability strategy is multifaceted. The organization seeks to diversify funding sources, Including grants, donations, and partnerships with governmental and private sector stakeholders. It is committed to transparency, impact measurement, and adaptive management, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and effectively.

Support from donors, environmental advocates, and grant committees is essential.by investing in PROHOME’s work, stakeholders contribute to the protection of a globally significant ecosystem, the empowerment of indigenous communities, and the advancement of climate resilience in East Africa.

Why Indigenous Trees?

The choice to focus on indigenous trees is both scientific and cultural. Native species are adapted to the local climate, soils, and ecological dynamics of the Mau Forest, ensuring higher survival rates and greater ecosystem benefits than exotic species. Indigenous trees support biodiversity, providing habitat for birds, insects, and mammals, and maintaining ecological processes such as nutrient cycling and water regulation (FAO, 2015).

One species of particular importance is Ndombeya, known locally as Silipweet. Its flowers produce nectar that is prized by bees, resulting in the production of white honey—considered the sweetest in Kenya. The first batch of 8000 seedlings planted by PROHOME , 3,000 seedlings were predominantly Ndombeya, supporting both ecological restoration and the revitalization of traditional beekeeping.

Beekeeping is a cornerstone of Ogiek culture and a vital livelihood. A recent goverment,world bank funded project NAVCDP (National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project) has identified beekeeping as a key value chain for the community, with potential for income generation, food security, and biodiversity conservation. For this project to succeed, a robust population of indigenous trees especially Ndombeya is essential, providing forage for bees and sustaining honey production.

Scientific studies confirm that indigenous trees enhance pollinator abundance, improve forest health, and support climate resilience (Klein et al., 2007). culturally, they are integral to Ogiek identity, rituals, and knowledge systems. By prioritizing native species, PROHOME ensures that restoration is not only ecologically effective but also socially meaningful. The success of the NAVCDP program, and the broader vision of sustainable development in the Mau forest, hinges on massive reforestation with indigenous trees. This is a win-win strategy, benefiting the environment, local economies, and cultural heritage.

Conclusion and Funding Appeal

In summary, the Program for the Heritage of Ogiek and Mother Earth (PROHOME) stand at a critical juncture. Its track record of success in conservation, community empowerment, and ecological restoration is clear. Yet, the challenges ahead are formidable, and the need for support is urgent.by investing in PROHOME’s initiative to scale up the Indigenous Trees Rescue Hub and restore the Mau forest, donors and partners play a pivotal role in safeguarding a vital ecosystem, empowering an indigenous community, and advancing global environmental goals. The requested funding of USD 15,000 will enable the organization to nurture and plant 10,000 indigenous seedlings, revitalize local livelihoods, and ensure the sustainability of restoration efforts.

We call upon environmental advocates, grant committees, and all stakeholders to join us in this noble cause. Your support will make a tangible difference—restoring the green heart of Kenya, preserving biodiversity, and honouring the heritage of the Ogiek and Mother Earth.

Restoration effects in Mau Forest