PS Kimotho adopts Ololua Forest ahead of International Day of Forests

Ephantus Kimotho, Principal Secretary for Irrigation, has formally adopted Ololua Forest at a time when Kenya is preparing to mark the International Day of Forests.

PS Kimotho's Bold Adoption of Ololua Forest

CPA Ephantus Kimotho, Principal Secretary for Irrigation, has taken a decisive and forward-looking step by adopting Ololua Forest in Kajiado County.

Ololua, one of the three distinct blocks that make up Ngong Forest, now has in PS Kimotho not just a patron, but an active champion for its restoration. His move signals a deliberate effort to bridge irrigation development with forest conservation in a way that directly benefits both ecosystems and communities. It reflects a clear understanding that water security and forest health are inseparable.

Healthy forests regulate water cycles, recharge catchments, and sustain irrigation systems. By stepping into this role, PS Kimotho is not merely endorsing conservation, he is embedding it into the country’s development agenda. His leadership also sends a strong message, inviting both institutions and local communities to take shared responsibility for environmental stewardship.

Marking International Day of Forests with Action

On Saturday, March 21, 2026, PS Kimotho will lead commemorative activities at Ololua Forest to mark the International Day of Forests under the theme "Forests and Economies." The theme underscores the often underappreciated role forests play in driving livelihoods, strengthening food systems, and supporting national growth.

At a time when Kenya continues to grapple with land degradation, this initiative moves beyond rhetoric into tangible action. Planned activities will include tree planting exercises and a 5-kilometre guided nature walk through the forest. The walk is designed to give participants a closer appreciation of Ololua’s ecological value and the urgency of protecting it.

The event will also be graced by Eng. Festus K. Ng'eno, Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, whose presence reinforces the cross-sectoral importance of the initiative.

Planting Thousands of Trees for a Greener Tomorrow

As part of the restoration effort, PS Kimotho has mobilised 2,000 indigenous tree seedlings specifically suited to the Ololua ecosystem. These are complemented by another 2,000 fruit trees provided by the National Irrigation Authority, bringing the total to 4,000 seedlings.

This is not just a planting exercise. It is a carefully considered intervention aimed at restoring degraded sections of the forest while simultaneously enhancing biodiversity. The inclusion of fruit trees introduces an economic dimension, creating opportunities for schools and surrounding communities to generate income through produce such as mangoes and avocados.

In this way, the initiative directly aligns with the theme "Forests and Economies," demonstrating how environmental restoration can translate into tangible economic value. It also stimulates local livelihoods through nursery development and long-term agricultural benefits.

Supporting Schools Around Ololua Forest

PS Kimotho’s approach extends beyond the forest itself to the communities that surround it. He will oversee the distribution of fruit trees to 20 neighbouring schools, with each institution receiving 50 trees. 

This initiative empowers schools to integrate food production with environmental education.

In addition, he will launch Mazingira Clubs in these schools, providing structured platforms through which students can engage in conservation activities and develop environmental awareness from an early age.

To reinforce sustainable practices, the schools will also receive colour-coded waste bins to support proper waste segregation. These practical interventions are designed to instil lasting habits, positioning schools as centres of environmental responsibility within their communities.

Empowering Women in Conservation

Recognising the critical role women play in conservation, PS Kimotho will distribute 20 energy-saving jikos to elderly women actively involved in protecting the forest.

These improved cookstoves significantly reduce fuel consumption compared to traditional methods, easing the burden of firewood collection while lowering pressure on forest resources. They also minimise indoor air pollution, improving health outcomes.

This intervention reflects a broader understanding that sustainable conservation must address everyday realities. By supporting these women, PS Kimotho is strengthening grassroots conservation efforts while enhancing livelihoods.

Partners in Reclamation: Associations and Communities

The restoration of Ololua is not being pursued in isolation. PS Kimotho is working closely with more than 299 forest associations alongside local communities. These groups bring invaluable indigenous knowledge and a deep connection to the land.

By prioritising collaboration, the initiative avoids the pitfalls of top-down interventions that often fail due to lack of local ownership. Instead, it fosters a participatory model where communities are not just beneficiaries but active custodians of the forest’s future.

Irrigation Department's Role in Land Reclamation

The State Department for Irrigation continues to play a central role in advancing land restoration through its Directorate for Land Reclamation and Climate Resilience. Under PS Kimotho’s leadership, efforts are underway to develop the Land Reclamation Bill, which will provide a comprehensive legal framework for reclamation activities across the country.

Once enacted, the Bill is expected to guide the restoration of degraded and arid lands by integrating afforestation with water management strategies. This is particularly significant in addressing desertification, a growing challenge in many parts of Kenya.

The approach is strategic. By aligning irrigation with forest restoration, it enhances soil quality, improves water retention, and ultimately strengthens agricultural productivity.

Why This Matters for Kenya's Economy and People

The theme "Forests and Economies" resonates strongly within the Kenyan context. Forests underpin key sectors including tourism, agriculture, and apiculture, while also supporting rural livelihoods. In regions such as Kajiado, they are vital to pastoralists, providing grazing grounds, medicinal plants, and water sources.

Ololua Forest, in particular, serves as an important water catchment, supports diverse wildlife, and contributes to climate regulation through carbon storage. Its restoration therefore carries both ecological and economic significance.

By investing in such initiatives, PS Kimotho is also contributing to the creation of green jobs, offering sustainable income opportunities while addressing environmental challenges.

A Leader Setting the Pace

CPA Ephantus Kimotho’s adoption of Ololua Forest is not symbolic. It is a structured, results-driven intervention that combines environmental restoration with community empowerment and policy development.

From tree planting to school programmes and legislative efforts, his approach reflects a clear commitment to long-term impact. 

As the International Day of Forests approaches, this initiative stands out as a practical example of leadership that translates vision into measurable outcomes, strengthening both Kenya’s environment and its economy.

Article by Victor Patience Oyuko. To buy coffee Mpesa 0708883777