Cherangani Hills Forest Strategic Ecosystem Management Plan 2015 - 2040

September2015

Cherangani Hills ForestStrategic EcosystemManagement Plan2015 - 2040

Cherangani Hills ForestStrategic EcosystemManagement Plan2015 - 2040

CHERANGANI HILLS FOREST STRATEGIC ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT PLAN 2015 -2040 Published by:Kenya Forest Service Kiambu RoadP. O. Box 30513 - 00100Nairobi, Kenya

© 2015

Plan development supported by the GEF/UNDP funded and Nature Kenya coordinated “Strengthening Protected Areas Network within the Eastern Montane Forest Hotspot of Kenya Project”

Key Implementers:Kenya Forest ServiceKenya Forestry Research InstituteKenya Wildlife ServiceNational Environmental Management AuthorityElgeyo/Marakwet County GovernmentWest Pokot County GovernmentTrans-Nzoia County GovernmentUasin Gishu County GovernmentNature KenyaCommunity Forest AssociationsWater Resource Users Associations

DisclaimerThe production, printing and distribution of this document to stakeholders has been with the financial assistance of the GEF and UNDP (Award ID: 00058356). The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of the Local Planning Team that developed the Cherangani Forest Ecosystem Strategic Plan 2015-2040, and cannot under normal circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the GEF nor the UNDP.

Approval PageThe Cherangani Forest Ecosystem Strategic Management Plan 2015 – 2040 is hereby approved for implementation and may be reviewed as need arises.

MESSAGE FROM THE IMPLEMENTING PARTNERSThe Cherangani Forest Ecosystem is a major water shed that supports the livelihoods of many communities locally and within the Lake Victoria and Lake Turkana basins. Its diversity of biological and edaphic resources gives it local, national and global importance. However, the increasing human population and their uncontrolled settlement in some fragile areas of the ecosystem have exerted enormous pressure on the finite resources, resulting in over their exploitation. The realignment of the forest boundaries has remained a contentious issue that is highly resisted by the neighbouring communities.

The ecosystem strategic management plan is a roadmap at mitigating these challenges and threats that the Cherangani Ecosystem is facing. Developed jointly by a myriad of stakeholders at the various levels through an elaborate consultative process from June 2011 to December 2013 it is envisaged that a committed implementation process shall be followed by all those with a stake in the conservation and sustainable use of the forest ecosystem.

In the plan five main forest management zones are identified; their specific management objectives stated and the management actions together with responsible institutions proposed. It is expected that the implementation of the plan will contribute to the restoration of the degraded areas, promote the exploitation of the important cultural and scenic sites while guiding the overall sustainable utilization of the resources in the ecosystem. The local communities in the Forest Ecosystem adjacent area are recognized as important stakeholders who will actively participate in its management and conservation.

________________________ ________________________ Dr. Paul Matiku Dr. Ben Chikamai Executive Director Director Nature Kenya Kenya Forestry Research Institute

FOREWORDThe scope of this Strategic Management Plan covers all the protected forest units of the Cherangani Hills ecosystem as well as the surrounding buffer zones. The protected forest units transcend West Pokot, Trans-Nzoia and Elgeyo-Marakwet counties and cover 12 forest blocks namely; Kapolet, Cheboyit, Chemurkoi, Embobut, Kaisungor, Kerrer, Kipkunur, Kiptaberr, Sogotio, Toropket, Kapkanyar, Lelan.

The forest ecosystem plays a very important role in the provision of ecological, social and economic services to the local community and the country at large. In particular the Cherangani forests are important for water catchment, and sit astride the watershed between the Lake Victoria and Lake Turkana Basins. Streams to the west of the watershed feed the Nzoia river system, which flows into Lake Victoria while those to the east flow into the Kerio River system.

This strategic plan is meant to provide the long-term guidance towards achieving the vision for the protected areas and will act as an integrative framework for the ecosystem

management to which operational plans will be anchored. Among challenges faced by the ecosystem are boundary encroachments, illegal settlements over grazing and illegal removal of forest produce. Various opportunities that could improve livelihoods also remain untapped.

The strategic planning process for the Cherangani Forest Ecosystem was initiated under the theme ‘Strengthening Protected Areas Network within the Eastern Montane Forest Hotspot of Kenya’ and was supported by GEF/UNDP and coordinated by Nature Kenya. It is a 25-year management plan (2015-2040) for the Cherangani forest ecosystem, developed through a collaborative initiative between Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and Community Forest Associations (CFAs).

Essau Omollo.Deputy Director, Forest Conservation and ManagementKenya Forest Service

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTWe wish to acknowledge all those who contributed to the discussions during visioning, thematic and zonation workshops. Special thanks to Nature Kenya through the Project Manager, Washington Ayiemba and Site Project Officer Mr. Julius Kimani for mobilizing stakeholders from the areas surrounding the ecosystem to the workshops. We also appreciate the valuable contributions from all the participants in the workshop who included government officers, community based organization members and local leaders. The Kenya Forest Service headquarters is acknowledged for allowing the KEFRI team to embark on this noble exercise and actively participating in the implementation. The Head of Conservancy, Mr. S. Mibei played a key role of opening

some workshops and gave valuable impetus and direction of the workshops, while the zonal manager Mr. Kerengo provided crucial information on the status of the forest and the linkage with other partners. The local planning team played a crucial role and will remain an important implementation arm of this strategic plan. Finally we wish to acknowledge GEF and UNDP for providing financial support to the process through the project on strengthening protected area network within the eastern montane forest. The Director KEFRI is specially thanked for allowing the KEFRI team, Messrs Joram Kagombe, James Kimondo and Stephen Kiama time to lead the process and write up the plan. To all who contributed in any way to the overall realization of this plan, a big thank you!

ExECUTIVE SUMMARymajor challenge to the institution of proper management of the forest areas.

The ecosystem ranges in altitude from 2,000 m to 3,365 m above sea level at Cheptoket peak. The mean annual rainfall ranges from 1,200 mm in the east to 1,500 mm in the west due to the influence of moist winds from Lake Victoria. The ecosystem is comprised of metamorphic rocks with moderately deep soils of good structure and high organic matter. The forests are important as water catchments and are situated between Lakes Victoria and Turkana basins. The streams from the watershed flowing to the west feed the Nzoia River and into Lake Victoria while those to the east flow into Kerio River and eventually Lake Turkana.

The plan was developed in an extensively participatory way, with wide consultation among the stakeholders. A review of the existing information was carried out and a workshop of stakeholders was held to consultatively develop and agree on the vision, objective(s) and purpose of the ecosystem. The key thematic areas were also identified.

The vision of the stakeholders is to have the best managed forest ecosystem in Africa contributing towards improved livelihood for the adjacent communities and enhanced benefits to other stakeholders. With the purpose of having sustainable forest management and conservation practices established and in operation. This will be achieved by a combination of strategies and activities. The strategic forest management objectives of the ecosystem are: to conserve water catchment and enhance the unique biodiversity of the forest; to contribute towards meeting subsistence needs and improving the livelihoods of forest adjacent communities; and to improve and develop the condition and potential for utilization of the forest resource.

The Cherangani Forest Ecosystem, like other forests and woodlands in Kenya contributes significantly to the national economy. It provides multiple environmental, economic, social and cultural benefits that promote opportunities for poverty alleviation and economic development. It creates significant employment opportunities and livelihood prospects in the adjacent rural areas thereby stemming the rural urban migration. It serves as a water catchment that recharges rivers and dams, which supply water for domestic use and hydro electric power generation. Besides, the role of the ecosystem is cross cutting into ecotourism, wildlife conservation and the provision of consumptive goods and services such as fuelwood, timber and fodder among others.

The ecosystem traverses several counties and has a total area of 114,416.2 Ha. The main public forest blocks in the ecosystem are in Elgeyo/Marakwet County (74,250 Ha), West-Pokot County (34,380 Ha) and Trans Nzoia County (1,551.6 Ha). Of the forests in the ecosystem, approximately 60,500 Ha (52.9%) are closed canopy forest while the rest is comprised of formations of bamboo, scrub, and rock outcrops, grassland, moorland and approximately 4,000 Ha of cultivated areas and exotic tree species plantations.

The western block of the forest, which totals approximately 20,000 Ha comprises of Kapkanyar, Kapolet and Kiptaberr Forest Reserves. The eastern block, which comprises of Lelan, Embotut, Kerrer, Kaisungor, Toropket, Chemurokoi, Kupkunurr, Cheboit, Sogotio and Kapchemutwa Forest Reserves are less well connected. Apart from a large south eastern block along the escarpment, these forests are fragmented and separated by extensive natural grasslands, scrub and farmlands especially in the central part of the ecosystem. This close proximity of the people to the forest reserves over an extensive distance along the boundaries poses a

Approach to plan Implementation The ecosystem plan was prepared through a multi stakeholder’s consultative process where KEFRI assumed the lead role. The team of stakeholders (Local planning Team – LPT) provided technical support in terms of consolidating information generated by other stakeholders including PRA reports, vegetation resource assessments, resource mapping and facilitating consultative meeting. The process involved four critical stages; reconnaissance survey of the ecosystem, visioning workshop, thematic areas workshop, and the zonation workshop. Several important principles were considered during the preparation of this plan to ensure its acceptability by all the stakeholders:

• all stakeholders participated at the various stages

• women and youth were mainstreamed and the views taken into consideration

• available scientific information was also incorporated in the preparation.

Thematic AreasA total of nine thematic areas were identified during the visioning workshop and discussed during the thematic areas workshop. The areas were: partnership and networking; education and environmental awareness; infrastructure; income generating activities and livelihoods; forest protection; resource mobilization; research and monitoring; ecotourism; and participatory forest management. Also the threats to the ecosystem and the necessary mitigation measures were also highlighted. For each theme, brief background information was provided; the strategies and actions for addressing them were agreed and prioritized.

Zonation of the EcosystemThe criteria for zonation were determined and the management options for each zone proposed. The zones are:

Conservation zone: these were mainly the hotspots with endangered and endemic fauna and flora. With the main objective being to enhance biodiversity conservation, the management options were to carry out fencing and intensify research.

Plantation utilization zone: these are the fairly flat and accessible areas. The main objective is to utilize the zone to provide forest materials/products and services. This shall be achieved by engaging in participatory forest management (PFM), plantation establishment for livelihood improvement scheme (PELIS), bee keeping, and relocating forest plantations from the steep areas.

Livelihood support zone: these are the sub-locations adjacent to the forest boundary. The objective is to empower the communities to reduce their level of dependence on the forest resources for their livelihood. To achieve this, income generating activities (IGAs) shall be initiated while also creating awareness on the importance of forest conservation through exchange visits and encouraging farm forestry.

Ecotourism and cultural sites: these are attractive sites with unique biodiversity or features of historical significance such as traditional rituals, sacred grooves and shrines. The objective is to enhance their preservation and utilization as IGAs, promote recreation, education and generally appreciation of the aesthetic values of the forest. To achieve this, existing sites shall be preserved and biodiversity conserved, create awareness and enhance their marketing while developing appropriate facilities.

Rehabilitation zone: these are the areas that have been negatively affected by human activities including illegal settlement. The objective is to rehabilitate these areas and conserve them through protection to allow for natural regeneration, eviction of illegal settlers and promote re-afforestation.

TABLE OF CONTENTSApproval Page .................................................................................................................... iiiMessage from the Implementing Partners .........................................................................ivForeword ............................................................................................................................ vAknowledgement ................................................................................................................viExecutive Summary ....................................................................................................... …viiList of Tables .......................................................................................................................xiList of Figures .....................................................................................................................xiList of Acronyms and Abbreviations .................................................................................xiiPART ONE .......................................................................................................................... 11.0 Description of Cherangani forest ecosystem .......................................................... 11.1 Legal and administrative status ............................................................................... 11.2 Geographical location ............................................................................................. 11.3 Biophysical Description ........................................................................................... 3 1.3.1 Topography ................................................................................................... 3 1.3.2 Climate .......................................................................................................... 4 1.3.3 Geology ........................................................................................................ 4 1.3.4 Soils .............................................................................................................. 4 1.3.5 Hydrology ..................................................................................................... 4 1.3.6 List of Rivers ................................................................................................. 4 1.3.7 Flora .............................................................................................................. 4 1.3.8. Fauna ............................................................................................................ 51.4 Cherangani Forest Ecosystem management concerns .......................................... 5PART II ................................................................................................................................ 72.0 Policy, Legal and Institutional frameworks............................................................... 72.1 Legal and policy frameworks .................................................................................. 7 2.1.1 Forests Act, 2005 .......................................................................................... 7 2.1.2 Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) of 1999 ........... 7 2.1.3 Renewable Energy Act, 2006, Section 103 .................................................. 7 2.1.4 Agriculture Act, Cap 318 .............................................................................. 8 2.1.5 Grass Fires Act, Cap 327 ............................................................................. 8 2.1.6 Tourist Industry Licensing Code, Cap 63 ..................................................... 8 2.1.7 Kenya’s Vision 2030 ...................................................................................... 8 2.1.8 Other International Conventions and Agreements ....................................... 9PART III ............................................................................................................................. 113.0 Vision, purpose and objectives of the plan ........................................................... 113.1 The Approach to Plan Implementation .................................................................. 11 3.1.1 Inclusion of all relevant stakeholders .......................................................... 11 3.1.2 Gender and youth mainstreaming .............................................................. 11 3.1.3 Integration of Sound science ...................................................................... 11 3.1.4 Partnerships framework established among stakeholders ......................... 11 3.1.5 Transparency and accountability ................................................................ 123.2 The planning process ............................................................................................ 124.0 Zoning of Cherangani Forest ecosystem .............................................................. 14

4.1 Natural forest vegetation and use ......................................................................... 144.2 Human settlement and population density ............................................................ 144.3 Rehabilitation areas ............................................................................................... 154.4 Cultural,Ecotourism andother sites for development ............................................ 165.0 MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES ........................................................................... 185.1 Forest Protection .................................................................................................... 185.2 Environmental Education and Awareness ............................................................. 195.3 Participatory Forest Management ......................................................................... 205.4 Eco-tourism ............................................................................................................ 215.5 IGAs and Livelihoods ............................................................................................ 235.6 Infrastructure Development ................................................................................... 245.7 Partnership and networking .................................................................................. 255.8 Resource mobilization ........................................................................................... 265.9 Threats to the ecosystem and mitigation measures .............................................. 286.0 Governance ........................................................................................................... 29References ....................................................................................................................... 30Further Readings .............................................................................................................. 30Appendix 1: List of Participants during the Visioning Workshop ..................................... 31Appendix 2: List of Participants during the Thematic Workshop ..................................... 32Appendix 3: List of Participants during the Zonation Workshop ...................................... 33Appendix 4: List of Participants during the Feedback Workshop .................................... 34Appendix 5 List of Stakeholders during Marakwet Kapsowar sensitization meeting ...... 35Appendix 6 List of Stakeholders during the Iten Sensitization meeting ........................... 36Appendix 7 List of Stakeholders during the Kapenguria meeting ................................... 37Appendix 8: Stakeholder analyses ................................................................................... 39Appendix 9 Profile of some stakeholders ......................................................................... 41

LIST OF TABLESTable 1: Forest blocks of Cherangani Ecosystem and their legal notices ..................... 1Table 2: Forest Stations of Cherangani Ecosystem per County and their hectarage .... 2Table 3: Zones, their selection criteria and management objectives in Cherangani Ecosystem .................................................................................. 23Table 4: Strategies and actions to address forest protection issues with responsible institutions................................................................................... 26Table 5: Strategies and actions to strengthen environmental education and awareness ...................................................................................................... 27Table 6: Strategies and actions to promote participatory forest management ........... 29Table 7: Strategies and activities to promote development of ecotourism in Cherangani .................................................................................................... 32Table 8: Strategies and actions to enhance nature based enterprises and livelihoods 34Table 9: Strategies and actions to promote improvement of infrastructure ................ 36Table 10: Strategies and actions to promote partnership and networking .................... 37Table 11: Strategies and actions to strengthen resource mobilisation for conservation system ...................................................................................... 40Table 12: Threats to Cherangani ecosystem and potential mitigating measures .......... 42

LIST OF FIGuRESFigure 1: Location of Cherangani Forest Ecosystem within Counties ............................. 3Figure 2: Constellation of forest blocks in Cherangani forest Ecosystem ....................... 4Figure 3: Hydrology of Cherangani Forest Ecosystem ................................................... 6Figure 4: Communication network within Cherangani Forest Ecosystem ....................... 8Figure 5: Zonation map of Cherangani Forest Ecosystem ............................................ 20Figure 6: Important cultural and potential sites for ecotourism within Cherangani Ecosystem .................................................................................. 22

LIST OF ACRONyMS AND ABBREVIATIONSCBD Convention of Biological DiversityCBO Community Based OrganizationCCF Consultative Conservation ForumCDTF Community Development Trust Fund CEF Community Environment FacilityCFA Community Forest AssociationCHEMUDEP Cherangani Multipurpose Development ProgrammeCITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and

FloraDDC District Development CommitteesDRSRS Department of Remote Sensing and Resource SurveyELDOWAS Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company FAC Forest Adjacent CommunityFFS Farmers Field SchoolGATT General Agreements on Tariffs and TradeGEF Global Environment FacilityGoK Government of KenyaHEP Hydro electricity powerIBAs Important Bird AreasIGAs Income Generating ActivitiesIPR Institute of Primate ResearchIUCN International Union for Conservation of NatureJICA Japan International Corporation AgencyKEBS Kenya Bureau of StandardKEFRI Kenya Forestry Research InstituteKFS Kenya Forest ServiceKIFCON Kenya Indigenous Forest ConservationKTB Kenya Tourism BoardKTDA Kenya Tea Development AuthorityKVDA Kerio Valley Development AuthorityKWAHO Kenya Water for Health OrganisationKWS Kenya Wildlife ServiceLPT Local Planning TeamLVBDA Lake Victoria Basin Development AuthorityLVNWSB Lake Victoria North Water Service BoardMMUST Masinde Muliro University of Science and TechnologyMoAL&F Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and FisheriesMoL Ministry of LivestockMoC&T Ministry of Commerce and TourismNBEs Nature based EnterprisesNEMA National Environment Management Authority

NGOs Non -Governmental OrganizationsNK Nature KenyaNMK National Museums of KenyaNRM Natural Resource ManagementNTZDC Nyayo Tea Zone Development AuthorityPAs Protected AreasPELIS Plantation Establishment and Livelihoods Improvement SchemePES Payment for Ecosystem ServicesPFM Participatory Forest ManagementSIDP Sengwer Indigenous Development programmeUNCED United Nations “Conference on Environment and DevelopmentUNDP United Nations Development ProgrammeUNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate ChangeWRMA Water Resource Management AuthorityWRUA Water Resource Users Association

Cherangani Hills Forest


PART 1

1.0 Description of Cherangani forest ecosystem

1.1 Legal and administrative statusThe Cherangani hills ecosystem forest cuts across several Counties, namely Trans-Nzoia (1,551.6 Ha), West Pokot (34,380 Ha) and Elgeyo-Marakwet (74,249.7 Ha) totaling 110,181,30 Ha. The hills ecosystem comprises of various forest blocks whose initial proclamations/gazettement were effected as indicated in Table 1.

Table 1: Forest blocks of Cherangani Ecosystem and their legal notices

County Forest block Proclamation/ Legal Notice NoTrans- Kapolet 57/1941NzoiaElgeyo- Cheboyit 102/1941Marakwet Chemurkoi 102/1941 Embobut 26/1954 Kaisungor 102/1941 Kererr 26/1954 Kipkunurr 102/1941 Kiptaberr 49/1967 Sogotio 102/1941 Toropket 102/1941West Pokot Kapkanyar 49/1967 Lelan 128/1958

Cherangani Hills and all other forests established under proclamation were later declared Central Government forests vide Legal Notice No. 174 of 1964.

The ecosystem is comprised of the following forest stations (Table 2) which serve as the administrative centres. The stations are administered by three Ecosystem Conservators based at Kitale, Iten and Kapenguria all

answerable to the Head of Conservancy based at Eldoret. In addition there is a zonal Manager based at Kapsowar who administers the forests in Marakwet Sub-county on behalf of the ecosystem conservator.

Table 2: Forest Stations of Cherangani Ecosystem per County and their area

County Forest Station Area (Ha)Trans-Nzoia Kapolet 1,551.6Elgeyo- Cherangani 16,241.8Marakwet Chesoi 11,933.5 Kapyego 10,000.0 Cheptongei 27,316.4 Elgeyo 6,410.8 Kessup 2,347.2West Pokot Lelan 16,200.0 Kapenguria 8,645.0 Sekerr 9,535.0 Total 110,181.3

Politically, the ecosystem covers Trans-Nzoia, Kapenguria, Sigor, Marakwet East, Marakwet West, Eldoret East, Eldoret North, and Keiyo North constituencies.

1.2 Geographical location Figure 1 shows the constellation of forest blocks that comprises Cherangani ecosystem as depicted in the 2004 report by KFWG and DRSRS. It is located within an area defined by 1o 16’ North 35o 26’ East. It is comprised of a series of forest reserves. The ecosystem is made up of 10 forest stations, totaling 110,181.3 Ha of gazetted area (Table 2). Of this, approximately 60,500 Ha is closed-canopy forest while the remainder is comprised of formations of bamboo, scrub, rock, grassland, moorland or heath, with about 4,000 Ha of cultivation and plantations.


Kapkanyar, Kapolet and Kiptaberr Forest Reserves together form a large western block of forest, totaling approximately 20,000 Ha. To the east, the Forest Reserves of Lelan, Embotut, Kerrer, Kaisungor, Toropket, Chemurokoi, Kupkunurr, Cheboit, Sogotio

and Kapchemutwa are less well connected. Apart from a large south-eastern block along the escarpment crest, the forests here are fragmented and separated by extensive natural grasslands, scrub and farmland especially in the central part.

Figure 1: Location of Cherangani Forest Ecosystem within Counties

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Figure 2: Constellation of forest blocks in Cherangani forest Ecosystem

1.3 Biophysical Description 1.3.1 TopographyThe Cherangani Forest Ecosystem can be described as an old fault-block formation of non-volcanic origin with an undulating upland plateau on the western edge of the Rift Valley. To the east, the Elgeyo Escarpment drops

abruptly to floor of the Kerio Valley, while westwards the land falls gently to the plains of Trans-Nzoia County. The ecosystem ranges in altitude from 2,000 m reaching 3,365 m above sea level (asl) at Cheptoket Peak in the north-central section. The hills are largely covered by a series of Forest Reserves.


1.3.2 ClimateThe annual rainfall in the ecosystem varies from approximately 1,200 mm in the east to at least 1,500 mm in the wetter west, is influenced by the moist prevailing winds from Lake Victoria. On the other hand, the average annual rainfall varies from 800 mm in the northern part to be more than 1,400 mm in the central part. The main rainy season is from April to August and dry season from December to February.

1.3.3 GeologyThe hills are composed of metamorphic rocks, with conspicuous quartzite ridges and occasional veins of marble. The whole area is occupied by Precambrian rocks of the basement systems, and consists of gneisses and schists.

1.3.4 SoilsThe Cherangani hills area has mainly moderately deep soils of good structure and high organic matter content and variable acidity (mainly Cambisols). The north-western and northern parts of the area have deep to shallow soils which are in general, liable to sheet erosion. The mountain and hills have shallow to very shallow soils and are often stony and rocky.

1.3.5 HydrologyThe Cherangani forests are important for water catchment, and sit astride the watershed between the Lake Victoria and Lake Turkana basins. Streams to the west of the watershed feed the Nzoia river system, which flows into Lake Victoria; streams to the east flow into the Kerio river system.

1.3.6 List of RiversCherangani Forest ecosystem is a source of several rivers and these include: Nzoia, Moron, Kapolet, Saiwa, Embobut, Siga and Weiwei.

Within the ecosystems, these rivers originate as small streams that gradually combine to form the rivers (Figure 3). They eventually drain into either Lake Victoria through River Nzoia or to Lake Turkana through Kerio River to the east.

Figure 3: Hydrology of Cherangani Forest Ecosystem

1.3.7 Flora The forests are of several different types. The lower western parts of Kiptaberr-Kapkanyar are dominated by Aningeria-Strombosia-Drypetes forest, with a large area of mixed Podocarpus latifolius forest on the higher slopes. The southern slopes hold Juniperus–Nuxia–Podocarpus falcatus forest, with heavily disturbed Podocarpus falcatus forest on the eastern slopes. Valleys in the upper peaks area shelter sizeable remnants


of Juniperus–Maytenus undata–Rapanea–Hagenia forest. Tree ferns Cyathea manniana occur in stream valleys, and there are patches of bamboo Arundinaria alpina, though no bamboo zone as such. In clearings, Acacia abyssinica occurs among scrubby grassland with a diversity of flowering plants. At higher altitudes, the forest is interspersed with a mixture of heath vegetation and swamps, the latter with Lobelia aberdarica and Senecio johnstonii. Much of this heath land may be maintained by burning and grazing. Relict Juniperus and Hagenia trees occur here and there. In the east especially, there is a mosaic of vegetation types with little obvious altitudinal zonation, possibly as a result of the hills’ varied topography and the long history of interchanging practices of cultivation, grazing and bush fires, and the establishment of plantations of Cupressus lusitanica, Pinus patula and a few Eucalyptus species.

1.3.8. FaunaThe Cherangani ecosystem is home to large and small wildlife animals. There are the elephants, buffaloes and leopards on the higher sides of the hills. However, these are threatened by the increasing encroachment on the forest with the secure place currently being the Mount Elgon national park and the other parks within the ecosystem. Saiwa Swamp National Park, which is part of the Cherangani ecosystem, has a mixture of smaller animals, including black and white Colobus monkeys, otters, genet cats, mongooses, bushbucks and De Brazzas monkeys as well as the sitatunga antelope. The ungulate Tragelaphus eurycerus has been recorded here in the past, but its current status is unknown.

The butterfly Capys juliae is endemic to the Cherangani Hills. The avifauna of the Cherangani is characteristic of the highland forests of Kenya west of the Rift Valley, comprising both central highland species and western species. Ecological surveys have recorded over 73 forest-dependent species, none of which is presently globally threatened. Regionally threatened species include Gypaetus barbatus (one of the last breeding populations in Kenya, nesting on the high peaks), Stephanoaetus coronatus

(widespread in small numbers), Glaucidium tephronotum (recently recorded in Kapkanyar), Campephaga quiscalina (uncommon and local; recent records from Kapkanyar) and Indicator conirostris (uncommon).

1.4 Cherangani Forest Ecosystem management concernsThere are a number of serious conservation problems associated with the ecosystem in its current state. These include encroachment, degazettement for settlement, poaching of trees for timber, posts and poles and charcoal burning, livestock grazing, and tree-felling by honey gatherers (for honey, or for manufacturing bee hives). Occasional fires, possibly started by honey gatherers, also occur. In 1986, fire destroyed hundreds of hectares in Kapkanyar forest. Most of the lower slopes of Kapolet forest have been converted to farmland in the last 20 years, and similar threats face most of the forest blocks. Grazing is a major concern, especially in Kapkanyar, which borders land occupied by the pastoralist communities from Pokot. Hundreds of cattle are left to roam in the forest for the entire dry season period, causing enormous damage. As the population outside the forest increases, the available pastureland diminishes and subsequently the pressure on the forest rises. Currently, there are allegations that the small-scale farmers graze their cattle in pastureland outside the forest, while the large herds found in the forests apparently belong to wealthy individuals who are influential locally.

Embobut forest has a long-standing squatter problem, with approximately 5,000 people living within the forest boundaries. These hills have tremendous potential for ecotourism for those visiting the western and north-western part of Kenya. They are scenically beautiful, with undulating forested slopes, cascading rivers and open grasslands filled with wild flowers. Ecotourism could help provide local employment and alternative sources of revenue for those living around the forest with improved road network (Figure 3). Education and awareness creation among the local people, especially with respect to bee keeping (management and harvesting


of honey), is important and it can assist to prevent forest fires and tree losses caused by honey gatherers. Honey collection, if properly controlled and managed, can be a sustainable

use of the forest and indeed provide substantial incentives for habitat conservation among the forest adjacent communities.

Figure 4: Communication network within Cherangani Forest Ecosystem


PART II

2.0 Policy, Legal and Institutional frameworks

2.1 Legal and policy frameworksThese consist of the laws and policies that facilitate and guide the implementation and functioning of the Cherangani Forest Ecosystem plan and other aspects relating to various functions and values attributed to the ecosystem. They include:

2.1.1 Forests Act, 2005There are various sections of this Act that provide for guidelines and opportunites for participatory forest management and conservation. These provisions allow for the Director KFS with the approval of the board to enter into agreement with any person for joint management of any forest. Such person(s) so enjoined may be directed to use or refrain from using such forest or any part thereof in a particular manner in order to ensure the conservation of biodiversity. The Act also allows a member of a forest adjacent community together with other members or persons resident in the same area, to register a community forest association under the Societies Act, which may apply to the Director for permission to participate in the conservation and management of a state forest or local authority forest in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Where there is no management plan in respect of the area, or where the association proposes that there be a new management plan, the application shall be accompanied by a draft management plan.

2.1.2 Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) of 1999This Act has various sections concerned with protection and conservation of Forests and watersheds. The Act permits the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) to enact regulations and such regulations, guidelines, procedures and measures shall control the harvesting of forests and any

natural resources so as to protect water catchment areas, prevent soil erosion and regulate human settlement within or around the forest. The Act also empowers NEMA to promote the conservation of energy and planting of trees and woodlots, especially through research in appropriate renewable sources of energy, taking measures to encourage the planting of trees and woodlots by individual land users, institutions and by community groups among others. Other relevant sections include: Section 50 on the Conservation of Biological Diversity; Section 72 on Water and Pollution prohibition and the EMCA, Water Quality Regulations 2006: Regulation 4 that deals with the Prevention of Water pollution; and Regulation 6 on the Protection of lakes, rivers, streams, springs, wells and other water sources.

2.1.3 Renewable Energy Act, 2006, Section 103 This Act mainly promotes the development and use of renewable energy technologies, including but not limited to biomass, biodiesel, bioethanol, charcoal, fuelwood, solar, wind, tidal waves, hydropower, biogas and municipal waste. The promotion of such may be through: formulating a national strategy for coordinating research in renewable energy; providing an enabling framework for the efficient and sustainable production, distribution and marketing of energy from biomass, solar, wind, small hydros, municipal waste, geothermal and charcoal; promoting the use of fast maturing trees for energy production including biofuels and the establishment of commercial woodlots including peri-urban plantations harnessing opportunities offered under clean development mechanism (CDM) and other mechanisms including, but not limited to, carbon credit trading to promote the


development and exploitation of renewable energy sources among others.

2.1.4 Agriculture Act, Cap 318This Act provides for the management of agriculture systems and practices. Under Section 48 which provides for the enactment of rules and regulations, the Agriculture (farm forestry) rules, 2009 were enacted.

The objective and purpose of these Rules is to promote the establishment and sustainable management of farm forestry for the purposes of maintaining an on farm tree cover of at least 10 percent in any agricultural land holding; conserving water, soil and biodiversity; protecting riverbanks, shorelines, riparian and wetland areas; sustainable production of wood, charcoal and non wood products; providing fruits and fodder; and carbon sequestration and other environmental services. The rules require that every person who owns or occupies agricultural land shall establish and maintain a minimum of 10 percent of the land under farm forestry which may include trees on soil conservation structures or rangeland and cropland in any suitable configurations provided that the species of trees or varieties planted shall not have adverse effects on water sources, crops, livestock, soil fertility and the neighbourhood and should not be of invasive nature, and that no agricultural landowner or occupier shall grow or maintain any eucalyptus tree species in wetlands and riparian areas.

2.1.5 Grass Fires Act, Cap 327Section 3 of this Act prohibits the burning of vegetation without authority. Subsection 1 states that: No person shall set fire to any vegetation which is not his property unless he has lawful authority so to do. Subsection 2 further states that: No person shall willfully or negligently kindle any fire which by spreading, may damage or destroy the property of any other person.

2.1.6 Tourist Industry Licensing Code, Cap 63Section 3 of this Act covers issues relating to licenses required for certain tourist enterprises. Subsection 1 states that: No person shall on

or after the appointed day carry on, or assist in carrying on, any regulated tourist enterprise other than under and in accordance with the terms of a license issued to him and for the time being in force. Enterprise activities referred to in subsection include negotiating, soliciting, canvassing or accepting business for that enterprise and engaging in correspondence with a person who may become a customer of that enterprise, or with the agent of such a person, concerning business of that enterprise.

2.1.7 Kenya’s Vision 2030Economic Pillar: Tourism Goals for 2030 The Vision for the tourism sector is to “become a top ten long-haul tourist destination in the world that offers a high-value, diverse and distinctive visitor experience”. To achieve this objective, there will be a critical focus on the quality and the diversity of tourism products in the country through partnership between the Government, the private sector and other stakeholders.

Social pillar: The vision for environment The vision for the environmental sector is “a people living in a clean, secure and sustainable environment”. The vision is inspired by the principle of sustainable development and by the need for equity in access to the benefits of a clean environment. To realize this vision, the focus will be on four strategic thrusts, among them conservation.

ConservationThe country will intensify conservation of strategic natural resources (forests, water towers, wildlife sanctuaries and marine ecosystems) in a sustainable manner without compromising economic growth. Kenya intends to have achieved 4 percent forest cover by 2012 and 10 per cent forest cover by 2030. In addition, specific measures will be adopted to promote bio-prospecting activities e.g. research and development of commercial products such as drugs, cosmetics and detergents.

The overall goal in forest conservation by 2012 is to increase current forest cover by 50 per cent. This will include significantly improving the contribution of forest services


to the economy and providing a base for the growth of the forestry sector. Regarding wildlife conservation, the goal is to fully protect all wildlife ecosystems. This will sustain the anticipated high growth rate of the tourism sector. The country will also develop an environmentally friendly mining policy.

Under environmental planning and governance, the goals in this thrust aim to integrate planning approaches and improve overall governance of the environment. Specific goals include:

• Increase coverage of spatial data from the current 30 per cent to 50 per cent for land use and 30 percent to 70 percent for land cover;

• Enforce all environmental regulations and standards; and

• Attract at least 5 Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM) projects per year in the next five years.

2.1.8 Other International Conventions and Agreements2.1.8.1 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, also known as the Washington Convention) is an international agreement between governments, drafted as a result of a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The text of the convention was agreed upon in 1973, and CITES entered into force on 1st July 1975. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival and it accords varying degrees of protection to more than 33,000 species of animals and plants. In order to ensure that the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was not violated, the Secretariat of GATT was consulted during the drafting process.

2.1.8.2 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)The Convention on Biological Diversity

(CBD), known informally as the Biodiversity Convention, is an international legally binding treaty. The Convention has three main goals:

1. conservation of biological diversity (or biodiversity);

2. sustainable use of its components; and3. fair and equitable sharing of benefits

arising from genetic resources

In other words, its objective is to develop national strategies for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. It is often seen as the key document regarding sustainable development. The Convention was opened for signature at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 5 June 1992 and entered into force on 29 December 1993.

2.1.8.3 Rio Declaration on EnvironmentThe Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, often shortened to Rio Declaration, was a short document produced at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), informally known as the Earth Summit. The Rio Declaration consisted of 27 principles intended to guide future sustainable development around the world. A few of the relevant principles include:

Principle 4: Environmental Protection in the Development ProcessIn order to achieve sustainable development, environmental protection shall constitute an integral part of the development process and cannot be considered in isolation from it.

Principle 10: Public ParticipationEnvironmental issues are best handled with the participation of all concerned citizens, at the relevant level. At the national level, each individual shall have appropriate access to information concerning the environment that is held by public authorities, including information on hazardous materials and activities in their communities, and the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes. States shall facilitate and encourage public awareness and participation by making information widely available.


Effective access to judicial and administrative proceedings, including redress and remedy, shall be provided.

Principle 22: Indigenous Peoples have a Vital RoleIndigenous people and their communities and other local communities have a vital role in environmental management and development because of their knowledge and traditional practices. States should recognize and duly support their identity, culture and interests and enable their effective participation in the achievement of sustainable development.

2.1.8.4 Kyoto Protocol The Kyoto Protocol is a protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC or FCCC), aimed at fighting global warming. The UNFCCC is an international environmental treaty with the goal of achieving “stabilization of greenhouse gas

concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic activities to interfere with the climate system.”

The G77 wanted strong uniform emission cuts across the developed world of 15%. However, countries, such as the US, made suggestions to reduce their responsibility to reduce emissions. These suggestions included:

• The inclusion of carbon sinks (e.g., by including forests, that absorb CO2 from the atmosphere);

• Having net current emissions as the basis for responsibility, i.e. ignoring historical emissions; and

• carbon storage in forests and soils (carbon sinks), which contribute highly to carbon sequestration


PART III

3.0 Vision, purpose and objectives of the plan Vision “The best managed forest ecosystem in Africa contributing towards improved livelihood for the adjacent communities and enhanced benefits to other stakeholders”

Purpose “Sustainable forest management and conservation practices established and in operation”

Strategic ObjectivesThe strategic objectives for Cherangani Forest Ecosystem are broadly defined by the national objectives for forest management and conservation of indigenous forest in Kenya, as expressed in the draft National Forest Policy. Since the national policy objectives are by definition broad, they have been further refined in this plan to fit the unique local context of Cherangani Forest Ecosystem. In order of priority, the strategic forest management objectives are:

1. To conserve water catchments and enhance the unique biodiversity of the forest. 2. To contribute towards meeting sub-sistence needs and improving the liveli-hoods of forest-adjacent communities.3. To improve and develop the condition and potential for utilization of the forest.

3.1 The Approach to Plan ImplementationThe strategic management plan for Cherangani forest ecosystem has deliberately taken consideration of several important principles during the plan formulation, and which will continue to guide the process of its implementation.

3.1.1 Inclusion of all relevant stakeholdersCherangani forest ecosystem is a meeting

point of diverse and multiple interest groups. All relevant stakeholders, primary, secondary and tertiary, and who were identified consultatively have played key roles during the planning process and whose valuable contribution will guide the production of the plan.

3.1.2 Gender and youth mainstreamingIn Cherangani forest ecosystem, women are often the most subsistence users of the forest, in terms of obtaining firewood, cultivation of agricultural crops through PELIS and collection of wild indigenous fruits. youths in the surrounding communities are mostly unemployed, thereby eking their livelihood from forest. The planning process deliberately sought their involvement to stem the various illegal activities that contribute to forest degradation and deforestation.

Due to the diversity of the stakeholders and their different interests the planning process used consensus building to accommodate the various views and opinions.

3.1.3 Integration of Sound scienceIt was recognized that the long term realization of Cherangani forest ecosystem vision would be firmly grounded on information based on sound science. The planning process made reference to relevant government documents and scientific data. The management programmes that are to be implemented envisaged the need for continuous research, education, monitoring and information sharing among the stakeholders.

3.1.4 Partnerships framework established among stakeholdersExperiences with Cherangani forest ecosystem to date suggest that partnership arrangements among different government agencies and other groups in civil society


can be an effective way to create joint responsibility and “ownership” of actions. We recognized therefore the need to strengthen the forest level management committee as a tool for coordinating partnerships. No single body or organization has the sole right to plan, implement and benefit from actions, and best results will come through collaborative efforts.

3.1.5 Transparency and accountabilityGood communication, common vision, and accountability for actions can come only through the use of open and transparent working practices. Civil society today demands more accountability, and the advance of communications technology has made it much easier to adopt this style of working practice: both within the government agencies concerned, and between the government agencies and other stakeholder groups in society.

3.2 The planning processAs part of the “Protected Areas Project“, development of a 25 years strategic management plan for Cherangani Forest Ecosystem among Kakamega and Nandi ecosystems was recognized as a key output that was to be prepared through a multi-stakeholders consultative process where KEFRI assumed the lead role. The KEFRI team worked with stakeholders drawn from across section of interest groups and institutions working in the ecosystem. The team provided technical support in terms of consolidating information generated by other stakeholders including PRAs, vegetation resource assessments, resource mapping and facilitating consultative meetings. The process involved four critical stages in the development and preparation of the plan. These included a reconnaissance survey, visioning workshop, thematic workshop and zonation workshop all held with the involvement of the stakeholders in ecosystem.

The reconnaissance survey was necessary due to a long delay, which occurred between development of the proposal and the funding. This led to changes on the ground conditions necessitating a revision of the approach in developing the plans. During

the survey, discussions were held with KFS personnel to establish the prevailing situation in the ecosystem. This was done to avoid duplication of activities and thus establish a cost effective strategy in development of the plans. The specific objectives of the reconnaissance field survey were: (i) assess status of any development towards the ecosystem management plan against planned activities (ii) establish availability of documents and data related to development of ecosystem forest management plan; and (iii) visit individual areas to familiarize with field conditions and the pertaining management issues and challenges.

To create a consensus, visioning workshop was held with the aim developing a common vision for the ecosystem among the key partners and stakeholders. The objectives of the workshop was (a) create understanding on status of development of ecosystem management plan (b) develop a common vision for the ecosystem for the next 25 years (c) identify challenges/obstacles to realizing the vision; and (d) develop general strategies to overcome the obstacles in order to realize the vision. The workshop was held in January 2012 with a total of 32 participants drawn from Government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), community forest associations (CFAs) and local leaders of the various organizations from the locations within Cherangani forest ecosystem (Appendix 1).

Following this, a thematic workshop was held in June 2012 where 37 participants drawn from organizations that had representatives during the first workshop (but mainly targeting the same individuals) attended (Appendix 2). The thematic areas identified were discussed in group discussions and presented to the plenary. A total of 9 thematic areas previously noted during the visioning workshop were covered. During the group discussions, brief background information concerning each theme were prepared, the strategies and actions for addressing them were agreed and prioritized. The following were the themes reviewed during group discussions:- Partnership and networking


- Education and environmental awareness- Infrastructure- Threats to the ecosystem and mitigation

measures- IGA and livelihoods- Forest protection- Resource mobilization- Research and monitoring- Ecotourism- Participatory Forest Management

Other themes that were not identified but were felt to be important included: Water catchment management – riverbank protection; Rehabilitation of degraded areas; Tree planting outside the forest to achieve 10% forest cover; and the livestock stocking capacity and farm capacity

The following were the issues for review during group discussion under each theme:

1. Background information Activities taking place in the ecosystem Strengths, weaknesses and opportunities Stakeholders involved Variation of activity within the ecosystem2. Issues Review issues raised and whether

strategies proposed will address the issues

3. Objective4. Strategies & Actions For each strategy, identify a number of

action points and responsible institution Review whether strategies proposed will

achieve the objective5. Provide as indicative time frame6. Responsible person7. Timeframe

The expected outputs from group-work were a write up on each theme.


4.0 Zoning of Cherangani Forest ecosystemThe Forest Ecosystem was delineated into zones representing the various management objectives. The success of the process was wholly dependent on the extent of information gathering carried out by the local planning team (LPT) against the gaps identified during the previous workshops.

This process was to culminate in the production of a zero draft strategic management plan for CFE. To ensure that the stakeholders still own the plan, a stakeholders’ workshop (Appendix 4) was held and the zero draft plan presented. Finally, the zero draft plan was presented to the grass-root members of the communities to sensitize them of its contents (Appendices 5 – 7). During the zonation workshop, the criteria for zonation were determined and the management options for each zone proposed. In designing forest management zones for Cherangani Forest Ecosystem (Figure 4), the following general considerations were made.

4.1 Natural forest vegetation and useCherangani forest can generally be considered as indigenous forest. These forest zones are characterized by natural forest which is difficult to access with low historical human disturbance and accorded high protection status. The area forms a good representation of local forest types and is very ideal for research work and acts as a sink or refuge for species undisturbed by human activity. While there is presently no defined area for community utilization, and whereas they let their livestock roam freely and collect fire wood from anywhere, the management plan envisages delineating a belt or strip of forest adjacent to settlement areas as utilization zone and marking some sites as seasonal grazing areas, especially the natural glades. These shall subsequently allow the natural forests to be accorded proper protection from

human activities including collection of dead wood for firewood. 4.2 Human settlement and population densityAssessment of the human settlements in the areas surrounding the Cherangani forest blocks reveals an increased densification of settlements and intensification of land use activities driven by rapid population growth and increasing incidences of poverty. The communities are highly dependent on the natural resources available within their vicinity and thus cause the greatest sustained forest disturbance.

Moreover, agriculture and livestock keeping are the most important economic activity. Therefore, efforts towards identifying the critical neighbouring zone are important in addressing the needs of the people.

A strip comprised of a two kilometres buffer around the main forest located on private land and owned by local community shall form this zone. However, the buffer may be extended depending on the needs as may be deemed necessary for appropriate implementation of the management plan. Ideally, this is the area targeted for sustainable livelihood support programs in order to reduce pressure on the forest and to protect biodiversity. This is an important zone that will lead to reduction of illegal exploitation of the forest resources, improve the relationship between communities and KWS/KFS, and ultimately protect biodiversity. Since the zone is on private land, the management will extend their limited mandate to creating awareness of the importance of the forests and biodiversity conservation. Within these zones, KWS and KFS will work collaboratively with institutions mandated to prepare physical development plans and participate in activities to support the communities.


Figure 5: Zonation map of Cherangani Forest Ecosystem

4.3 Rehabilitation areasPerhaps due to the trend described above, human settlements and land use continue to bear pressure on Cherangani forest, with high

incidences of degradation. Some areas are still recovering, requiring some rehabilitation efforts while in others, concerted efforts are required to ensure removal of illegally settled


Figure 6: Important cultural and potential sites for ecotourism within Cherangani Ecosystem

people from the forest areas and undertaking rehabilitation works.

4.4 Cultural, Ecotourism and other sites for development harness-

ing forest based potentialThere are cultural sites that are still relevant to the community (Figure 5). Moreover, the forest

is endowed with scenic sites and panoramic landscape with great potential for eco-tourism. Some forest resources, including murram, water source among others can be harnessed or developed to contribute towards improvement of livelihood. Eventually, based on criteria shown in Table 3, five zones were defined which would guide the management in realization of the strategic objectives.

Tabl

e 3:

Zon

es, t

heir

selec

tion

crite

ria a

nd m

anag

emen

t obj

ectiv

es in

Che

rang

ani E

cosy

stem

Zone

C

riter

ia

Obj

ectiv

e M

anag

emen

t Opt

ion

Cons

erva

tion

- Ar

eas

gene

rally

und

er n

atur

al fo

rest

s.

Enha

nce

biod

ivers

ity c

onse

rvat

ion

Fenc

ing,

-

Biod

ivers

ity h

ot s

pots

Re

sear

ch

- En

dang

ered

spe

cies

-

Ende

mic

spec

ies

Pl

anta

tion/

-

Fairly

flat

& a

cces

sible

- pr

ovid

e bu

ildin

g m

ater

ials

and

-

PFM

utiliz

atio

n -

Not s

ensit

ive h

abita

t for

bot

h pl

ants

woo

dfue

l to

FACs

-

PELI

S

an

d an

imals

-

prov

ide

good

sce

nery

esp

. -

Bee

keep

ing

-

Plan

tatio

n ba

cklo

g ar

eas

are

indi

geno

us s

p. e

.g. P

odo,

Pru

nus

- all

plan

tatio

ns in

slo

ppy

area

s be

Elge

yo a

nd, K

essu

p st

atio

ns

- Pr

ovid

e ho

me

to w

ild a

nim

als

ha

rves

ted

and

allow

ed to

rege

nera

te n

atur

ally

Live

lihoo

d Su

bloc

atio

ns a

djac

ent t

he fo

rest

-

to e

mpo

wer

FAC

s ec

onom

ically

-

initia

te IG

As (h

igh

yield

ing

dairy

ani

mals

,su

ppor

t bo

unda

ry

- to

redu

ce p

ress

ure

on fo

rest

bee

keep

ing)

depe

nden

cy

- aw

aren

ess

crea

tion

on im

porta

nce

of fo

rest

con

serv

atio

n

- ca

pacit

y bu

ildin

g e.

g. th

ro’ e

xcha

nge

visits

, edu

catio

nal t

ours

-

enco

urag

e fa

rm fo

rest

ry

- en

cour

age

use

of a

ltern

ative

ene

rgy

sour

ceEc

o-to

urism

&

- M

ust b

e at

tract

ive o

r hav

e sp

ecial

-

enha

nce

IGAS

Pr

eser

ve e

xistin

g sit

escu

ltura

l site

s

feat

ures

. -

enha

nce

recr

eatio

n -

cons

erve

bio

dive

rsity

-

Mus

t Hav

e un

ique

bio

dive

rsity

-

educ

atio

n -

awar

enes

s, p

ublic

ity, m

arke

ting

-

Hist

orica

l sig

nific

ant

- ae

sthe

tic v

alue

- sp

ecies

re-in

trodu

ctio

n

- Tr

aditio

nal r

itual

sites

, sac

red

-

reha

bilita

tion

groo

ves,

shr

ines

-

fenc

ing

to re

duce

hum

an/w

ildlife

con

flict

-

deve

lop

facil

ities

(ban

das,

nat

ure

trails

,

ca

mp

sites

)

- pr

omot

e tra

ditio

nal/c

ultu

ral a

ctivi

ties

Zone

s1 -

Affe

cted

by

Hum

an a

ctivi

ties

Reha

bilita

te/ c

onse

rve

- Pr

otec

t to

allow

nat

ural

rege

nera

tion

-

degr

aded

bam

boo

- re

claim

, reh

abilit

ate

and

cons

erve

to ta

ke p

lace

-

Embo

but i

llega

l set

tlem

ent.

-

evict

ion

and

rese

ttlem

ent

-

assis

ted

rege

nera

tion/

plan

ting


5.0 MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMESThe management programmes were derived from the visioning and thematic workshop and are expected to achieve the objective of the plan. Each programme provides a brief background, underlying issues, objectives, strategies, activities and responsible organization/party. The plan covers the following nine programmes and highlights the threats to the ecosystem and the mitigation measures to address them.

1. Forest protection2. Education and environmental awareness3. Participatory Forest Management4. Ecotourism5. Income Generating Activities and

livelihoods6. Research and monitoring7. Partnership and networking8. Resource mobilization9. Infrastructure

5.1 Forest ProtectionIn the 1990’s the encroachment of the ecosystem increased due to the ever increasing population pressure. Furthermore, uncoordinated resettlement programmes also led to the encroachment and excision of forest

blocks while the high poverty levels also led to unsustainable utilization of forest resources. However, it is believed that boundaries between the forests and the communities are known though largely ignored by the neighbouring community.

Issues to be considered include- Securing of boundaries and boundary

realignment- Forest fires- Illegal activities in the forest e.g. charcoal

burning, logging - Uncontrolled grazing and overstocking

throughout the forest- Human wildlife conflicts- Illegal settlements- Invasive species- Expansion of grazing areas through

burning- Inadequate personnel and equipment to

protect the ecosystem adequately

Objective: To enhance forest protection for sustained conservation of the Ecosystem. Table 4 highlights the strategies and proposed activities to realise the stated objective.

Table 4: Strategies and actions to address forest protection issues with responsible institutions

Strategy Action Responsible PriorityEnhance Sensitisation and awareness of the KFS, CFAs, Civil 1Community forest adjacent community on Societyinvolvement importance of the forestin forest Involve community scouts in forest KFS, CFAs 1protection protection Sensitisation of the forest adjacent MoAL&F, Community, KFS 2 community on destocking and improvement of livestock breeds Enforcement Increase personnel KFS, Development partners 2of relevant policies and Increase equipment KFS, Development partners 2regulations Harmonization of relevant policies and NEMA, KWS, KFS, MoAL&F, 3 regulations MoEW&NR


5.2 Environmental Education and AwarenessIt is clear that people in Cherangani ecosystem have a substantial level of education, based on the educational infrastructure in place. There are 691 primary schools, 109 secondary schools, and 3 tertiary colleges. Moreover, there are conservation organizations which are implementing conservation programmes / projects and creating awareness. There are 90 CBOs, 5 NGOs, 9 CFAs, 7 WRUAs and a number of government agencies involved. The various natural resources legislations that guide the management of the ecosystem include the Forests Act 2005, Water Act 2002, EMCA 1999 among others. However there is still low awareness on conservation and several activities are proposed to address the problem (Table 5). Issues undermining conservation efforts are: - Inadequate awareness on related policies

and legislations- Lack of commitment and interference

among CFAs and local leaders

- Inadequate technical capacity by imple-menters

- Inadequate advocacy strategies- Low capacity to mobilize resources- Inadequate skills in project planning and

implementation- Resistance to positive change among

community members- Low exposure on conservation issues - Erosion of indigenous knowledge and / or

good cultural practices

Objective: To strengthen the capacity of the stakeholders in environmental education and awareness.

Strategy Action Responsible PriorityEnhance Establish commercial community CFAs, KFS, KEFRI 1IGAs to managed nurseriesreduce Promote bee keeping CFAs, MoAL&F 1pressure on Promote butterfly farming CFAs, MoAL&F 1the forest Introduce sericulture MoAL&F 1 Commercial woodlots CFAs, KFS 1 Improved livestock breeds MoAL&F 1 Pasture establishment on farms CFAs, MoAL&F 1 Facilitate exchange visits to model sites CFAs, MoAL&F 1Securing Undertake consultative boundary KFS, CFAs 1forest re-alignmentboundaries Promote establishment of live fencing KFS, CFAs 1and rehabilita- Undertake re-afforestation of degraded KFS, CFAs 1ting degraded sitessites Remove illegal settlers from forests KFS 1

a A priority of 1 indicates high preference to be implemented immediately while a 3 indicate low priority and therefore a n activity can be done later during the implementation of the plan


Strategy Action Responsible PriorityTo enhance Hold training workshop/seminars WRMA, KFS, NK, NEMA 1commitment Public barazas CFAs/WRUA’s County 1and governments, line ministriesawareness on Hold sport activities CFAs, Nature Kenya, KFS 2environmental Engaging media Nature Kenya, CHEMUDEP 1issues and Publications Nature Kenyaconservation Participation in local, national & Lead agencies & 2 international events related to stakeholders environmental conservationTo enhance Conduct exchange visits Nature Kenya, KFS, WRMA 2the capacity of Support institutions development Nature Kenya, KFS, WRMA 2 stakeholders Support institutions development Nature Kenya, KFS, WRMA 2 Provide incentives to farmers KFS, Nature Kenya 2 Providing educational opportunities to Nature Kenya 3 stakeholders To disseminate Develop harmonized environmental KFS, Nature Kenya, KEFRI, 3environmental extension packages WRMA, Civil Societieseducation To construct resource centers KFS, Nature Kenya, KEFRI, 3messages WRMA, Civil Societies

Table 5: Strategies and actions to strengthen environmental education and awareness

5.3 Participatory Forest Management

The Kenya Forest Service has embraced participatory forest management as the mechanism of involvement of communities in forest management and preparing all management plans to ensure that the stakeholders accept the plan and participate actively in its implementation. However, for effective participation in the process, the stakeholders should not only have the interest of the forest, but should also be conversant with the process involved. Table 6 highlights the mechanism of actively involving the members of the community.

Issues affecting the adoption of the Participatory Forest Management include- Weak community structures – CFAs,

WRUAs (inadequate capacity, lack of incentives/ benefits for communities, high cost of developing PFMP)

- low capacity in resource mobilization by user groups

- Poor advocacy strategy/skills by community groups

- Interest in environment conservation is weak with main focus on benefit sharing

- No shared vision- Low level of participation- Low capacity to implement PFM- PFM at formation stages in most forest

stations- Lack of enforceable community rules and

regulations due to weak governance- Non adherence to intellectual property

rights- Lack of respect for rights of indigenous

people- Equity in benefit sharing among and within

stakeholders

Objective: To strengthen the community structures to be effective in PFM


Table 6: Strategies and actions to promote participatory forest management

Strategy Action Responsible PriorityTo improve Training in PFM process Civil society, KFS 1governance in Sensitise the stakeholders to elect Civil society, KFS 1PFM leaders who have skills and knowledge Exchange visits/bench mark with Civil society 2 successive groups Develop strategic plans for CFAs Civil society KFS, KEFRI 1 alongside PFMPs and sign FMAs Sensitization on policies and legislation Civil society CFAs and 2 relevant lead agencies Develop advocacy strategies Civil society , KFS, CFAs 2 Training on or diversification of IGAs 1 To have a stakeholders forum KFS, KEFRI, CFAs, County 1 governments To strengthen Improve the knowledge and skills of Civil society 1stakeholders the stakeholderscapacity To enhance Establish clear mechanisms of sharing Civil society, KFS,KEFRI 1equitable net benefits accrued amongaccess and stakeholderscost and Undertake Cost benefit analysis KEFRI, Civil society 2benefit-sharing Sensitize the community on their rights Civil society , CFAs 2from the and rolesecosystem Sensitise/ Create awareness on PFM Civil society, KFS 2Create Undertake Capacity building for the Civil society 2awareness stakeholdersamong stakeholders on the rules governing PFMStrengthen the Develop and implement Code of CFAs, CSOs 2ethics and conduct for CFAsgovernance of To empower marginalized stakeholders KFS, Civil society, 2PFM structures To promote transparency and CFAs, Civil society 1 accountability

5.4 Eco-tourismEco-tourism is utilization of the environment sustainably while deriving/accruing benefits. Most of the ecotourism in Cherangani is at its initial stage i.e. exploratory. For example, most of the visitors are researchers interested in diverse issues in the ecosystem. Unfortunately

there is not much documentation on who is visiting the area. The ecosystem however has diverse attraction sites such as Mtelo campsites, hills like Koghogh, Seger, Marbus, Koisagat, Kipteber (legendary mountain), Kapsiliot, Kipkunur, Kamologon, Koisungur, Sangurur, Iten, Kamariny, Kerio Valley, Muiyen;


waterfalls (Muiyen, Torok, Embobut, Kapterit, Emsoo), Chebara dam; water furrows, caves (Kipkoboi about 2km long, Kiplachoi); Game reserves (Rimoi); Rock art-like Katkog at Koibarak location; viewpoints e.g. Kaibos, Kabichbich, Kapkono, Kipkuloti; and water sports e.g. damming Nzoia river at Kabolet area. Table 7 highlights the necessary activities to promote ecotourism in the ecosystem.

Major impediments or issues to the ex-ploitation of the ecosystem potential are;- Un-exploited ecotourism potential- Lack of ecotourism facilities

- Inadequate visitor security- Lack of tour guides- Lack of awareness on available eco-

tourism/research/education potential of Cherangani

- Poor state of infrastructure such as roads, tracks, campsites

- Uncoordinated ecotourism activities

Objective: To harness the ecotourism potential for eco-nomic benefits to the communities and other stakeholders within the Cherangani ecosys-tem

Table 7: Strategies and activities to promote development of ecotourism in Cherangani

Strategy Action Responsible PriorityTo develop Carry out Feasibility study KFS, KWS, North Rift 1ecotourism Tourism Associationpotential Link the Cherangani with western State department of Tourism, 2 tourism circuit North Rift Tourism Association Develop the ecotourism plan KFS, KWS, County governments 1 Market the ecotourism plan State Department of Tourism, 1 North Rift Tourism AssociationDevelop Map out eco-tourism circuit of KFS, State Department of 2eco-tourism Cherangani Tourism, KWS, CFAs, County facilities government, North Rift Tourism Association Partner with investors to develop State Department of Tourism, 2 the ecotourism facilities KFS, KWS, CFAs, North Rift Tourism Association KEN-InvestMarketing of Sensitize the schools to establish Schools, wildlife clubs of Kenya, 1eco-tourism environmental and wildlife clubs NEMA Promote the ecosystem as an educational tourist destination Establish and promote conservation Min of Sports, Culture and the 1 through organized events like Arts, NEMA, AK, Civil Society marathon Develop promotional/marketing Min of Commerce and Tourism, 1 materials/tools e.g. guide book, KFS, CFAs, KWS, County govt., web sites, maps, brochures Civil Society Develop tourism information centres Min of Commerce and Tourism, 3 KFS, CFAs, KWS, County govt., Civil SocietyEnhance visitor Provide security to tourists Min of Commerce and Tourism, 1security Inspector General of Police, KFS, KWS


Strategy Action Responsible Priority Establish security response teams KFS, KWS, Min of Commerce 1 and Tourism Train community tour guides Min of Commerce and Tourism, 1 KTB, KWS Sensitize local people on community Min of Commerce and Tourism, 1 participation on the various visitor KTB, KWS, KFS activities (e.g. security of flying paraglider)Establish cost Establish mechanisms for cost KFS, Min of Commerce and 2benefit sharing benefit sharing Tourism, KWS, CFAs, Countymechanism govt. Civil Societyfrom ecotourism Develop an MoU on benefit sharing Min of Commerce and Tourism, 2activities CFAs, KFS, County Government, Development Partners, KWS, Civil Society

5.5 IGAs and LivelihoodsCherangani ecosystem forest adjacent communities have very few IGAs which include traditional bee keeping, charcoal burning in the farms, livestock rearing, poultry, fish farming, herbal medicine Harvesting, sand Harvesting, excavation and brick making. However there is need to upscale the opportunities and diversify on livelihood options since some of the activities impact negatively to the ecosystem (Table 8). There is untapped potential for hydroelectric power (HEP) generation and wind power generation within the ecosystem (e.g. Tabach, Kipteber, Kapsitotwa, Kapsait, Koisugur)

The Issues that affect exploitation of the various potential IGAs include- Limited knowledge on the potential na-

ture-based enterprises- Lack of credit schemes- Unexploited micro HEP generation poten-

tial- Inadequate diversification of alternative

livelihoods- High dependence on forest for communi-

ty livelihoods- Low technological levels and uptake

Objective: To enhance nature based enterprises for improved community livelihood

Table 8: Strategies and actions to enhance nature based enterprises and livelihoods

Strategy Action Responsible PriorityTo develop and Identification of existing/potential Civil Society, CFAs, MoAL&F 1enhance nature based enterprises KWS, KFS, NMKnature-based Capacity build the communities and Civil Society, NGOs, MoAL&F 1enterprises for other stakeholder on the identifiedimproved NBEcommunity Establish linkages with the potential Civil Society, KVDA, Community 2livelihoods development partners for optimum exploitation of NBE


Strategy Action Responsible Priority Promote value addition and KVDA, Civil Society, CBOs 2 Marketing e.g. honey processing Use of improved technologies KEFRI, CFAs, NEMA, CBOs, 1 e.g. charcoal briquetting Civil SocietyDiversification Carry out a feasibility study to Civil Society 1and promotion identify emerging potentialof livelihood livelihood optionsoptions e.g. Promote emerging NBEs eg CFAs 1use of emerging butterfly farming, sericulture, energyenterprises and saving technologies, quail, guineatechnologies fowl, rabbit farming Improve access Identify existing and potential Civil Society 2to financial financial service providersservices e.g. Negotiate with financial institution Civil Society 2village banking on low interest credit schemesfor credit Sensitize communities to establish Min of Industrialization and 3schemes SACCOs Enterprise Development. Min. of Sports, Culture and the Arts, CFAs, Community, CBOs, NGOsDevelop Carry out cost benefit/gross margin Civil Society, Min of Agriculture, 1business plans analysis on potential enterprises Livestock and Fisheries, KFS, for the IGAs KVDA, NGOs

5.6 Infrastructure DevelopmentThe existing road network in Cherangani ecosystem covers about 1,580 km and is mostly impassable during wet season. Of this, only a small section of about 195 km has bitumen surface, 680 km have proper murram surface, while the rest is only passable during dry season. The 1990s witnessed neglect of road maintenance because of inadequate funding which led to impairment of road transport system. Equally, communication network is poor, with most of the area not yet covered by existing mobile service providers. Forest stations are not equipped with communication equipment. With regard to offices and housing of personnel, the region has inadequate infrastructure. In most forest stations, the existing offices and houses are inadequate, very old and in poor conditions. In the ecosystem only the Cherangani and Elgeyo (Kapkako) CFAs have offices. The Cherangani office is housed in the Community resource centre which was constructed through support of Nature Kenya. Most of the six urban centers in the ecosystem are connected to

the main electricity grid. However, only about 5% of households in the region are currently connected. Again, only a few schools are also connected. With regard to machinery and equipment, most forest stations in Cherangani ecosystem are inadequately serviced. These stations rely on the equipment and machineries which are located at Eldoret Road Unit which is quite far and inadequate. Several activities are proposed to improve the infrastructure in the ecosystem (Table 9).

Issues concerning the infrastructure in the ecosystem - Poor road network- Poor communication network- Lack of communication gadgets- Inadequate equipment and machinery- Inadequate funds - Inadequate housing and in poor condition- Inadequate offices and in poor condition

Objective: To enhance provision of adequate infrastructure for efficient ecosystem management


Table 9: Strategies and actions to promote improvement of infrastructure in Cherangani ecosystem

Strategy Action Responsible PriorityEnhance road Lobby for funds to be allocated for CFAs, Local leaders, CSOs 2network within roads maintenance by KeRRA, KFSthe ecosystem (Roads Unit), County Government Procure at least two road graders County Government, CFAs, 3 for the whole ecosystem Local leaders, CSOs Improve existing roads and open CFAs, Local leaders, KFS, CSOs 3 new onesEnhance Establish a radio communication Civil Society, KFS, CFAs 1mobility and system for KFS officers andcommunication community scoutsnetwork Procure at least a vehicle for every Civil Society, KFS 2 station Procure at least a motorbike for Civil Society, KFS 1 every forest beatProvision of Build offices for KFS and CFAs KFS, GoK, Civil Society 1adequate and Build houses to accommodate KFS, GoK, Civil Society 1equipped KFS Staffoffices and Equip the offices Civil Society, KFS, CFAs 1housing facilities

5.7 Partnership and networkingThere has been a substantial level of partnership and networking towards the conservation of Cherangani ecosystem. Local organizations like CBOs and CFAs as well as government agencies have in the past partnered with organizations that have worked on the ground including Nature Kenya, Moi University (School of Environmental Studies), Kenya Commercial Bank, Green Belt Movement, Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organization, International Organization for Migration, Green Zones, Vi Agroforestry, World Vision, Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA), KEFRI. Another likely partner is the Lake Victoria Water Services Board. The region has representation in North Rift Forest Conservancy Committee and some CFAs are also members of networks like NACOFA. There was a proposal to establish North Rift CFAs Forum under the auspices of Miti Mingi Maisha Bora (MMMB) Programme and Kenya Forests Working Group (KFWG) but was never realized. A CFA Umbrella Forum was started in 2007 and covered the three counties comprising Cherangani ecosystem. However,

very little known is known of the forum and it remains inactive. Moreover, sensitization of its existence was never done after its formation.There are a number of institutions that have interest in the conservation of Cherangani ecosystem and are willing to contribute positively. However, there is need to have a clear structure and protocol guiding their engagement as well as clarity on roles and responsibilities (Table 10).

Issues impeding the growth and strength of potential partnership and network:- Unclear networking- Lack of sensitization and clear network-

ing/partnership plan- Unclear roles and responsibilities of part-

ners- Poor coordination of partnership

Objective: To enhance partnership and networking in environmental conservation and management


Table 10: Strategies and actions to promote partnership and networking in Cherangani ecosystem

Strategy Action Responsible PriorityPut in place a Review or redraw the name and CFAs, WRUAs, Civil society 1strong constitution of the Cherangani organizationscoordinating stakeholder Forumforum Undertake sensitization and CFAs, WRUAs, Civil society 1 recruitment of members of the stakeholder Forum Conduct elections of leaders of the CFAs, WRUAs, NK, 1 stakeholder Forum Civil society Training of elected leaders CFAs, WRUAs, KFS, NEMA, 2 WRMA, Civil societyPrepare a Identify and develop a database of CFAs, WRUAs, KFS, WRMA, 2partnership/ potential partners CFAs, Civil Societynetworking plan Identify partnership opportunities CFAs, WRUAs, Local leaders, 2 that target local adjacent County Govt. communities Mobilization of partners and Local leaders, County 2 networks government, Civil Society Develop a partnership agreement KFS, CFAs, KEFRI, NGOs 1 among the stakeholders Establish and Define partnerships/networking KFS, CFA 1strengthen protocolpartnership Review roles and responsibilities KFS, CFAs, NGOs, Civil Society 1structure of stakeholders

5.8 Resource mobilizationThere are inadequate resources to address the conservation work being carried out in the ecosystem. There is also inadequate resource mobilization capacity among the stakeholders to access adequate funds to cater for all the activities envisaged in the ecosystem. Several institutions have embarked on the conservation efforts such as KFS, WRMA, KVDA, VI-Agroforestry, KARI, NK and KEFRI among others. A number of projects such as NRM and KAPP-SLM funded by World Bank, and CDTF support to CBO Consortium through European Union, Nature Kenya support to Protected Areas through GEF. However, majority of these initiatives are at the initial stages. The support is inadequate and there is need to enhance it. The ecosystem is also generally undervalued thus causing low level of investment.

The development of the strategic management plan will enhance stakeholder identification and provide a tool for consolidating funds towards a common goal of conservation. To ensure proper mobilization, efforts should be geared towards accessing resources from the government, development partners, private enterprises and community own resources (Table 11).

The Issues affecting mobilization of resources include:- Low social cohesion and integration

among the communities- Inadequate financial resource- Inadequate human skills in resource mo-

bilization- Inadequate resource mobilization strate-

giesObjective: To strengthen resource mobilization strategies


Table 11: Strategies and actions to strengthen resource mobilisation for conservation of Cherangani ecosystem

Strategy Action Responsible PriorityTo enhance Build capacity on proposal writing Civil Society, Development 1resource partners, Relevant govt. mobilization institutionscapacity Develop operational plans in CFAs, Civil Society Development 1 Cherangani partners Carry out community resource CFAs, Civil Society, Relevant 1 matrix (prioritization) govt. institutions, Undertake community sensitization Civil Society, CFAs, Relevant 1 on resource mobilization govt. institutions, Undertake study tours/ exchange Civil Society, County govts, 1 visits to success stories Lead AgenciesTo solicit for Lobby for increased allocation of CFAs, FCCs, NGOs 2increased funds towards conservationallocation of Strengthen stakeholders fora Civil Society, GoK and 1GoK and in conservation Development partners, devolved fund community(CDF, County) Streamline contribution of KFS, KNBS, KEFRI, WRMA, 1to conservation conservation to the GDP MoE&P, Communityof Cherangani ecosystem. To enhance Organizing field days and farmers’ MoAL&F, CBOs, CFAs, NGOs 1partnership and field schoolscollaboration Promotional Events such as Road Civil Society, MoSC&A, NEMA, 1with private shows, marathons CFAs, WRUA, CBOssector and World Wetland day, World WRMA, NEMA, MoAL&F, GoK 1other Environment day, World Food day, Institution, CFAs, community, development Tree Planting Season Launch, NGOspartners in International Day of Forest,conservation of International Day for BiodiversityCherangani Establish Information Resource Civil Society, CFAs, KFS, Other 1ecosystem Centres for Cherangani Ecosystem NGOs, KWS


5.9 Threats to the ecosystem and mitigation measures

Table 12: Threats to Cherangani ecosystem and potential mitigating measures

Threat Mitigation measure/ActionPopulation increase Promote awareness and adoption of family planning methods Efficient utilization of natural resourceUnemployment Initiate livelihood improvement programmes (IGAs) Promote off farm livelihood interventions Support initiatives geared towards self employment eg support technical/ vocational colleges to provide specific skills (scholarships) Contracting community members/ hiring of casuals to undertake forest operationsNegative politics Promote participatory conflict resolution mechanisms Encourage advocacy on good governance and leadershipResettlement of Develop consultative resettlement planpeople staying in the Mobilize political support for resettlementforest Insecurity Strengthen inter communities peace committees Hold peace barazas Support community policingRetrogressive Encourage adoption of appropriate technologiescultural practices Promote education and create awarenessand beliefs HIV/AIDS Awareness creation through main streaming in conservation activities Invasive species Undertake regular surveillance of the ecosystem for any invasive and obnoxious species Inform and involve relevant research institutions for actionDrug and substance Undertake education and awareness creationabuse Climate change Promote mitigation and coping mechanism to climate change


6.0 GovernanceStakeholders’ analysis Based on stakeholders analysis carried out, three categories were identified namely primary, secondary and tertiary (Appendix 8). Primary stakeholders are the main actors in this process and are expected to play the greatest and direct roles during the implementation of the management programmes. This is based either on their legal mandate or their direct livelihood dependence. They include KFS, KWS, CFAs, among others.

Secondary stakeholders are also key actors but essentially play an indirect role in the process. Tertiary stakeholders are those perceived to be potentially affected either positively or negatively by the activities.

Profiles of some of these stakeholders are captured in Annex 9. Moreover, allocations of responsibilities captured in the management programmes are in tandem with this profiling.

The stakeholders involved in the ecosystem were examined and their roles identified. Broadly they were put into the following categories

Government agenciesKEFRI, KFS, KWS, NEMA, County Planner, MoT, Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA)

Non-governmental OrganizationsKWAHO, Vi-Agroforestry, SWERN, Cheran-gani multipurpose development project (CHEMUDEP), Sengwer Indigenous Develop-ment Programme (SIDP),

Community Based Organizations (CBOs)PEACE, Cherangani Hills CBO Consortium, Kenya Environmental Tree Network KETNET CBO, Kerot CBO, Kamoi 5K CBO CONSOR-TIUM

Community Forest Associations (CFAs)CFAs in West Pokot County: Kabichbich Kapkanyar CFA and Chehifowaca CFACFAs in Keiyo-Marakwet County: Kapkako CFA, Kimgaa CFA, Kibcofa CFA, Cherangani CFA, Kapyego CFA, Chesoi CFACFAs in Trans-Nzoia County: Kapolet CFA

Other StakeholdersOther important stakeholders that were identified include Nyayo Tea Zones, Eldoret Water Sewerage Services, Lake Victoria North Water Services Board, Kenya Tea Development Agency, Rift Valley Water Services Board, Local Authorities, Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Livestock, Farmers, Saw Millers/Private sector, Sand harvesters, Research and Learning Institutions, Fishermen, Honey gatherers/Herbalists, Pastoralists, International communities, and politicians.


References Further ReadingsHarding, B. and Devisscher, T. (2009). Ecosystems, Kenya; In Review of Economic Impacts of

Climate change in Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi Ecosystems. from http://fs.wa4.lucklaboratories.com/knowledge-base/files/758/4e25a62e6948c2D-DFIDKenya_Ecosystems_Final.pdf

Imo, M. (2012). Forest degradation in Kenya: Impacts of Social, Economics and political Transition. In Adoyo JW and Wangai CI (eds). Kenya Political, Social and Environmental Issues. Nova Sciences Publishers, Inc. New york. p1-38.

Kungu, J.B. and Kagombe, J.K. (2011). It is time to pay more for water: offering incentives for conservation seems the way to stop watershed degradation. Miti 2011 April – June Issue 5-7.

UNEP (2009). Kenya: Atlas of Our Changing Environment. Division of Early Warning and Assessment (DEWA) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)


AppendicesAppendix 1: List of Participants during the Visioning Workshop

No. Name Organization Gender1 David K. Ruto Kapkao CFA M2 Salina Chesire Kimgaa CFA F3 Paul C. Chelimo Beliomo CFA M4 Richard Kipseret KETNET M5 William Kipruto Kimgaa/Kipkako PAC M6 Samuel Kenyatta PAC/CFA Pokot S. M7 Samuel P. Lonyang Kamka CFA M8 Jackson Atongoreng Kerot CBO M9 Solomon Cherongos Chemudep Org. PAC M10 Patrick J.A. yano Cherangani Hills CBO Consortium M11 Charles Rumot Kasetut CBO M12 Patricia Rotich Chesito CBO F13 Hellen Chesama Kapkanyar CFA F14 Charles Kiberen PAC Member M15 Carrington Kibet PAC Member M16 James Cheruiypt PAC Member M17 Kiprotich Kimetta Chamgei FM M18 Isaac Kimitei NEMA/Trans Nzoia M19 Jacquiline Omondi KWS F20 Thomas Kirui Embotut CBO M21 Paul C Kaino Chebororwa/Sekemei CFA M22 Dennis Kereng KFS M23 Moses Marta Kenya News Agency M24 Kibos S. J NEMA F25 Samuel Chemweno Kipkunur CFA M26 Cllr. Paul Chepkurui Marakwet C.C. M27 John K. Kiptum NK M28 Julius Kimani NK M29 Richard Kering NEMA/W. Pokot M30 Gilbert K. Chebet Embobut CFA M31 Alfred N. Tulel NK M32 Irene J. Kilimo Embobut PAC F


Appendix 2: List of Participants during the Thematic Workshop

No. Name Institution/organization Gender1 Richard Kipseret KETNET M2 Moses Matendechere WRMA M3 Masimba Jacob Min. of Agriculture Livestock & Fisheries M4 Charles Kiberen SIDAP M5 Jackson Atongoreng Kerot CBO M6 Paul Kipkorir EEG CF M7 James Cheruiyot CFA M8 Paul K. Kipkorir Cherangani CFA M9 Patricia Rotich Chesito CFA F10 Samwel Lonyang CFA W. Pokot M11 Michael Chebet Kipkunur CFA M12 Solomon Cherongos CHEMUDEP LNGO M13 Hellen Chesang Cherangani/Kapkanyar CFA F14 Jacquiline Omondi KWS F15 Samwel Kenyatta PAC/Kabichbich/Kapkanyar/Lelan CFA M16 Alex Kangongo DDO M17 John C. K. Kipkoriren Embobut CFA M18 Edward K. Mengich KEFRI Londiani M19 Patrick yano Cherangani Hills CBOs Consortium, PEACE-Chair M20 Kibos S. J NEMA M21 Julius Kimani NK M22 William Kipruto Kimgaa CFA M23 Richard Kering NEMA M24 Dennis Kerengo KFS M25 David Kuto Kapkako CFA M26 Erick Abungu KFS M27 Isaac Kimitei NEMA M28 John Kiptum NK M29 Emmanuel Losiaripo WRUA M30 Richard Kipseret KETNET M31 Carrington Kibet M32 Pius K. Rotich SWERN M33 Paul C. Kaino Chebororwa ATC M34 Mary J. Kuto SWERN F35 Ishmael Chelenga MoT M36 Solomon Mibey Head of Conservancy North Rift M37 Alfred Nyaswabu Zonal Manager Marakwet M


Appendix 3: List of Participants during the Zonation WorkshopNo Name Organization Gender1 Michael Chebet KIBCOFA CFA M2 William Kipruto Kimgaa CFA M3 Francis K. Kimeto Min. of Agriculture M4 Samwel Kenyaatta Lelan CFA M5 Jackson Atongoreng KEROT CBO M6 Wilson Limareng Chesito CBO M7 Paul C. Chelimo Beliomo M8 Paul K. Limo KFS Elgeyo Forest Station M9 David Kuto Kapkako M10 Paul K. Kipkorir Cherangani CFA M11 Jusper Omwenga NEMA TransNzoia F12 Salina Chesire Kimgaa CFA F13 Charles Rumot Kasetut CBO M14 Martin yano KET Network M15 Paul C. Kaino Cherangani hills CBO Consortium M16 Emmanuel M. Loriaripo Renger WRUA M17 James C. Chebet Kipteber CFA M18 Samwel P. Lonyang Kapenguria CFA M19 Kibet Carrington Cherangani CFA M20 Alfred Nyaswabu KFS Marakwet M21 Barnaba C. Kosgei WRMA Eldoret M22 Samuel Chemweno Kipkunur Forest and Water CFA M23 Hellen Chesang Cherangani-Kapkanyar CFA F24 Christine Maiyo Kapenguria CFA F25 David K. Tanui KVDA M26 Wycliffe Obiayo KFS West Pokot M27 Solomon Cherongos CHEMUDEP org. M28 John C. K. Kipkore Embobut CFA M29 David Kiprotich CHEHIFO-WACA M30 Margaret Lagat SWERN F31 Pius K. Rotich SWERN F32 Patrick J. A. yano Chairman Peace Committee M33 Julius Kimani Nature Kenya M34 Alfred Tulel Nature Kenya M35 David K. Omotto KFS Trans Nzoia M36 Eunice N Pyatich Kapenguria CFA F37 Kibos S. J. NEMA Elgeyo-Marakwet M38 Julia C. Mwanga DPC Mnagei zone F39 Leonard Ofula NEMA West Pokot M40 John K. Kiptum Nature Kenya M


Appendix 4: List of Participants during the Feedback WorkshopNo Name Organization Gender1 Richard Kipseret KETNET M2 Moses Matendechere WRMA M3 Masimba Jacob Min. of Agric M4 Charles Kiberen SIDAP M5 Jackson Atongoreng Kerot CBO M6 Paul Kipkorir EEG CF M7 James Cheruiyot CFA M8 Paul K. Kipkoin Cherengani CFA M9 Patricia Rotich Chesito CFA F10 Samwel Lonyang CFA W. Pokot M11 Michael Chebet Kipkunur CFA M12 Solomon Cherongos CHEMUDEP LNGO M13 Hellen Chesang Cherengany/Kapkanyar CFA F14 Jacquiline Omondi KWS F15 Samwel Kenyatta PAC/Kabichbich/Kapkanyar/Lelan CFA M16 Alex Kangongo DDO M17 John C. K. Kipkoriren Embobut CFA M18 Edward K. Mengich KEFRI Londiani M19 Patrick yano Cherengani Hills CBOs Consortium, PEACE-Chair M20 Kibos S. J NEMA M21 Julius Kimani NK M22 William Kipruto Kimgaa CFA M23 Richard Kering NEMA M24 Dennis Kerengo KFS M25 David Kuto Kapkako CFA M26 Erick Abungu KFS M27 Isaac Kimitei NEMA M28 John Kiptum NK M29 Emmanuel Losiaripo WRUA M30 Carrington Kibet M31 Pius K. Rotich SWERN M32 Nicholas Kaino Chebororwa ATC M33 Mary J. Kuto SWERN F34 Ishmael Chelenga MoT M35 Solomon Mibey HoC North Rift M36 Alfred Nyaswabu Zonal Manager Marakwet M37 Paul Kaino CBO Consortium M38 Charles Suter Env Planner KVDA M39 Paul Chelimo Beliomo CFA M40 Gilbert Chebet Embombut M


Appendix 5 List of Stakeholders during Marakwet Kapsowar sensitization meetingNo. Name Organization Gender1 Paul C. Chelimo KIBCOFA CFA M2 Martin Cheserek Moiben WRUA M3 Thomas C. Chebet Maron M4 John C.K. Kipkore Kaptirbai IP M5 Ambrose C. Too Marakwet Council of Elders M6 Chemweno Samwel KIBCOFA CFA M7 Margaret Kiprop Lelan F8 Irine J. Kilimo Embobut/kaptirbai IP F9 Albina Too Kapkochur/Lelan F10 Francis Kiplagat KIBCOFA CFA M11 Moses K. Kisang Snr chief M12 Patrick J. yano Marakwet West Peace -Chair M13 Paul Kosgei Assit. Chief Talai -Kapsowar M14 Richard Kipkorir Kapyego CFA M15 Gilbert Chebet Kapyego CFA M16 Moses B. Tanui Min. of Agric. Kapcherop M17 Francis Oduor KWAHO M18 Joseph Kosgei Arror WRUA M19 Paul K. Bowen Marakwet Council Of Elders M20 James C. Chebet CFA M21 Daniel Chemweno WRUA M22 Hellen Jeruto youth rep. F23 Sarah Kaino Chesoi CFA F24 Jacksaline Mweno Cherangani CFA F25 Kibet Carrington Cherangani CFA M26 Paul C. Kaino Chengani hills CBO consortium M27 Peris J. Cheboi Assistant chief F28 Anadeta Tilak KNUT M29 Julius Suter Chesoi CFA M30 Michael Chebet KIBCOFA CFA M31 Susana Akui Cherangani CFA F32 John K. Chesergon Cherangani CFA M33 Julius K. Kipkorio Kenya red cross M34 Fanice Cheboi youth F35 G.K. Chemweno Marakwet Council Of Elders M36 Nicholas yano Kapyego CFA M37 Edward K. Cheptarus Kapyego CFA M38 Richard Kipruto KIBCOFA CFA M39 William Kiptuiyei chief M40 David Chepkiyeny Officer M41 Luka Chelanga vision self help group M42 David Yator Constituency office Marakwet west M43 Herman Waliaula KFS Marakwet (DFO) M44 Alfred Nyaswabu KFS –Marakwet (zonal manager) M45 Alfred Tulel Nature Kenya M46 John Kiptum Nature Kenya M


Appendix 6 List of Stakeholders during the Iten Sensitization meetingNo. Name Organization Gender1 Daniel Kirui Kimgaa CFA M2 Barnabas K. Kipchumba Kimgaa CFA M3 Salina Chesire Kimgaa CFA F4 Anne Suter Maendeleo ya Wanawake F5 Edwin Ronoh Iten Integrated CBO M6 Joseph Lessan Kapkako CFA M7 Joseph K. Kimaiyo Kapkako CFA M8 Anne Chesergon Kimgaa CFA F9 William Kipruto Kimgaa CFA M10 Barnaba Kipserem Kapkako CFA M11 Joseph Chemweno Kapkako CFA M12 Hillary Kibet Kimgaa CFA M13 Jackson Kiplagat Kimgaa CFA M14 Alfred Kwambai Kimgaa CFA M15 Christopher Chebii Kapkako CFA M16 John Kiptoo Kimgaa CFA M17 Joseph Kimoi Council of Elders M18 Mercy Kimosop Kapkako CFA F19 James Kigen Kimgaa CFA M20 John Kigen Kosgei Min. Agriculture, Livestock & Fisheries M21 Kipruto K. Festus M22 Mark K. Kandie Kapkako CFA M23 Ronald Cheruiyot youth rep. M24 Reuben Kangogo Kimgaa CFA M25 Andrew Kemboi Church rep. M26 Rodgers Suter Kimgaa CFA M27 Charles K. Chebasa Kimgaa CFA M28 Joseph Cheboi Kimgaa CFA M29 Christine Rotich Kapkako CFA F30 Cheptarus K. W. Kapkako CFA M31 Christopher Abuonj District Water Officer Iten M32 Lucy yator Kapkako CFA F33 Cosmas Ego Kimgaa CFA M34 Ernest K. Kirui Kimgaa CFA M35 Fred K. Lagat Kapkako CFA M36 Emily Murgor Kimgaa CFA F37 Thomas K. Chepkinyeng Crescent Integrated M38 Joseph Kimeto Kapkako CFA M39 Paul K. Limo KFS M40 Dennis Kerengo KFS M41 David Lemiso Kimgaa CFA M42 John Rono KEIDEP M43 Jonathan Chesesio KCDTF M44 Richard Mutai Kimgaa CFA M45 Alfred Tulel Nature Kenya M46 John Kiptum Nature Kenya M


Appendix 7 List of Stakeholders during the Kapenguria meeting

No Name Organization Gender1 Naomi Komol NEMA F2 Akoma C. Tecla Kinonyi group F3 Patricia Rotich Chesito CBO F4 Jackson Atongoreng KEROT CBO M5 Charles K. Kiberen Kapolet CFA M6 William Kipkwen Kapolet CFA M7 Samwel Kenyatta Lelan CFA M8 Emmanuel Losiaripo Renger-Kapkanyar WRUA M9 Kyenze Peter KFS West Pokot M10 Benjamin Pyatich Cherangani-Kapkanyar CFA M11 Solomon Kura Rumot Lelan CFA M12 Julius Kolichei Kamonmon group M13 Arupe Achokor Kapkanyar CFA F14 Simon Chelemu Kapkanyar CFA M15 Michael Kimtai CHEMUDEP org. M16 Joseph L. Kiplimo Snr. Assist Chief Kaibos M17 Samwel K. Chesuswo Kapolet CFA M18 Amos Rono Chesuswo Kaikai coop kenya M19 David Kiprotich Cherangani-Kapkanyar CFA M20 Benson K. Krop Cherangani IP Elder M21 Chemaywa Monicah Lelan CFA F22 Sandra Chechumba Kalya FM F23 Irene Lopot Lelan youth F24 Sylvia Nyongesa Kalya FM F25 Wilson P. Chepkilim Kamatira CFA M26 Wilson P. Ripo Kamatira CFA M27 Vivian Cheruto Kapkanyar youth group F28 Monicah Chemtai Lelan CFA F29 Rael Cherop Kibet Kapenguria CFA F30 Eunice Pyatich Kapenguria CFA F31 Catherine Chemjor Kapolet CFA F32 Reuben Serengole Lelan CFA M33 William K. Ruto Renger WRUA M34 Queen Nelima Kalya FM F35 Christine Maiyo Kapenguria CFA F36 Kpteitich Kiplagat G. Kapsikam CBO M37 Samwel P. Lonyang Kapenguria CFA M


No Name Organization Gender38 Sylvia Chebet Kapenguria CFA F39 Joseph Kolima Chesupet Traditional Dancers M40 Toton Kapchila Lelan CFA M41 Jacob Kemoi youth rep. M42 Muhalia Damaris Kapenguria CFA F43 Michael K. Tikol Snr Chief Kaisagat Location M44 Bruno A. Magay Kap. WRUA M45 Julius Siangole Kapenguria CFA M46 Philip Lomongin Kinetat CBO M47 Solomon Cherongos Chemudep org. PAC M48 Philip Tabot Kapsikam CBO M49 Moshongui Samwel Lelan CFA M50 John K. Kiptum Nature Kenya M51 Alfred N. Tulel Nature Kenya M52 Jacklyne Syombua Nature Kenya F53 Evelyn Koskei Min. of Agriculture Kapenguria F


Appendix 8: Stakeholder analysesThere are a number of ways of undertaking a stakeholder analysis. However, workshops, focus groups and interviews are the three common approaches. Whatever approach is used, there are three essential steps in stakeholder analysis: 1) identifying the key stakeholders and their interests (positive or negative) in the project; 2) assessing the influence of, importance of, and level of impact upon each stakeholder; and 3) identifying how best to engage stakeholders.

To fill out the first column in the table below, list all the known stakeholders. Then describe the stake or mandate of each stakeholder in the second column using a score of 1 to 10 where 1 means low stake and 10 very high stakes. The mandate refers to the nature and limits of each stakeholder’s stake in the resource and the basis of that stake. For each stakeholder, describe their potential role in

the management of the ecosystem and thus their level of importance in column 3 using scores of 1 to 10. Then note in column 4 if the stakeholder has low or high level of influence among other players in the implementation of the management plan. Add the score of the second to the fourth column and get the mean – which should range between 1 and 10. In the last column those stakeholders with scores of 7 and above were considered primary and are therefore the key stakeholders, i.e., these who are central to the initiative at hand. Their participation is critical. Those with scores of 4 to 6 were considered secondary, as they have indirect interest in the outcome of the management of the ecosystem. Finally, those with scores of 1 to 3 were considered tertiary stakeholders. They were indirectly affected by the outcome of the management of the ecosystem, though they may not have had an interest.

INSTITUTION Interest/ Importance Influence Mean Ranking Mandate ScoreKFS 8 10 10 9 PKWS 5 7 8 7 PNEMA 5 10 10 8 PKERFI 7 8 10 8 PWRMA 4 7 8 6 SMoAL&F 7 8 8 8 PMoC&T 6 8 8 7 PCounty/National government 7 9 10 9 PNyayo Tea Zone (NTZDC) 2 5 1 3 TKVDA 4 8 8 7 PLVBDA 1 3 1 2 TMin. of Energy & Petroleum 3 5 4 4 SKTDA 6 7 5 6 SNK 8 10 10 9 PWorld Vision 6 7 8 7 PVi-Agroforestry 6 7 6 6 S


INSTITUTION Interest/ Importance Influence Mean Ranking Mandate ScoreKWAHO 1 2 2 2 TSWERN 2 3 2 2 TCHEMUDEP 3 5 2 3 TSIDP 3 4 2 3 TMedia 5 8 10 8 PELDOWAS 1 2 2 2 TLVNWSB 3 5 6 5 SMin. of Devolution & Planning 4 5 7 5 SPrivate sector/Saw millers 2 4 4 3 TResearch/Learning Inst. 2 3 5 3 TDonor Partners 8 10 10 9 PPastoralists/herbalists/ farmer 7 6 8 7 P


Appendix9Profileofsomestakeholders

Stakeholder Resource/ Interest Need Level of Mitigation activity satisfaction2 measuresKWS Forest Well protected Conservation of 2 Increase strength forest wild animals. (joint operations) Conservation of 2 Minimize charcoal indigenous vegetation burning for ecosystem. sustainability Scientific research 2 Ecotourism developmentKFS Forest Protection of Increase biodiversity 4 Increase number the forest of forest rangers have functional CFA Well Increase volume of 4.5 Planting conserved water and revenue indigenous trees forest Establishing High revenue 1 Tree planting plantations Rehabilitation of Increase cover 4.5 Planting of trees degraded area Seedling High number of 1 Increase funding production seedlings Formation of PFM 3 Develop CFA management plan and agreements Livelihood Well protected 2 Increase income, improvement forest empowerment, awareness creation Well Well maintained 2 Erecting beams conserved forest boundaries planting of trees forest along forest boundaries, establishment of Nyayo Tea ZonesCommunity grazing Less restriction High production of 4 Reduce grazing milk and meat fees firewood Less restriction Get enough 2 Reduce the fees firewood, income beekeeping Less restriction High production of 2 Allow apiaries in honey, Increased the forest income and food satisfaction


Stakeholder Resource/ Interest Need Level of Mitigation activity satisfaction2 measures herbalists Less restriction Obtain medicinal 3 Protection of plants in large medicinal plants quantities Charcoal Less restriction Income 3 Reduce no of burners forest guards hunting No restriction Obtain meat and 3 Reduce the skins strength of KWS Wood Less restriction Harvest enough 2 Reduce restriction logging for timber, high income timber Sand Less restriction Income increment 2 Reduce restriction harvesting Cultural No restriction Large quantities to 2 Reduce the fees sites satisfy cultural sites no restriction Water No restriction Supply enough 3 Free collection collection water Community No restriction Know the forest 4 No restriction touring more Collection Less restriction Obtain large 3 No restriction of forest amounts for use Protection of the vegetation plants roofing materials

1 Kapkanyar, Kiptaberr, Kapsowar, Chemurkoi, Kisungur encroachment areas2 Level of satisfaction as perceived by the participants on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being the lowest and 5 the

highest satisfaction level.

Documents

Cherangani Hills Forest Strategic Ecosystem Management Plan 2015 - 2040