Mt. Kenya Forest Reserve Management PlanMt. Kenya Forest Reserve Management Plan 2010-2019 ii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This plan is referred to as Mt. Kenya Forest Reserve Management Plan

Mt. Kenya Forest Reserve Management Plan 2010-2019

i

FOREWORD

The MKFR management plan was developed to guide the establishment, development and sustainable management, including conservation and rational utilization of the forest and allied resources for socio-economic development. . The plan is prepared in compliance with the legal requirement of the Forests Act, 2005 under section 35 which provides a mandatory legal requirement for preparation of management plans for management of all State, Local Authority and provisional forests. The plan also takes cognizance of various documents which include the draft Forest Policy No. 9 of 2005; KFS Strategic Plan 2009/10 – 2013/14; the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA), 1999; the Wildlife (Conservation and Management) Act, Cap. 376; and the Water Act, 2002 among other policies and legislative frameworks whose objectives have a direct impact on sustainable conservation, management and utilization of Mt. Kenya Forest Reserve.

The process of developing the plan started with the proclamation of Mt. Kenya forest as a World heritage site in 1998. The proclamation prompted the stakeholders to come together with an aim of developing an integrated management plan. The planning process embraced consultative and participatory approaches in conservation and management of natural resources that will lead to ownership of the initiatives by the stakeholders. During the planning process, several consultative workshops and meetings were held culminating with the development of the Draft Mt. Kenya Forest Ecosystem Integrated management Plan. Due to the time involved in the consultative process of refining the Integrated Ecosystem Management Plan and the legal requirement under the Forests Act 2005 that all forests are managed on the basis of an approved management plan, KFS started a parallel process to develop a management plan for Mt. Kenya Forest Reserve. This plan is informed by reports developed during the consultative process. The plan will be reviewed after 5 years and amendments undertaken as needs arise. Both Review and amendments will be carried out in conformity with the plan objectives by KFS in consultation with other stakeholders.


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This plan is referred to as Mt. Kenya Forest Reserve Management Plan. It covers Mount Kenya Forest Reserve, Lower Imenti, Upper Imenti, Thunguru hill, Njuki-ini East, Njukiini West, and Kierera Forest. The plan also covers a buffer zone of forest adjacent areas. Mt Kenya Forest Reserve plays a critical role in water catchment functions for the country and is one of the five main “water towers” in Kenya. North East to South West of the mountain is the catchment for Tana River while Western and North Western slopes form the catchment area for Ewaso Nyiro River. It also provides both wood and non-wood forest products and is rich in biodiversity in terms of both plant and animal species. Some 880 plant species belonging to 479 genera in 146 families have been recorded in the ecosystem. The ecosystem has attractive sceneries and great potential for tourism development, which is yet to be fully harnessed. The mountain ecosystem is a valuable heritage to the people living within its vicinity. Since the early 1970s, the indigenous forests have been degraded due to illegal logging of valuable timber trees, overgrazing, forest fires, invasive species and game damage. Other threats to the forest include pests and diseases, excisions and encroachment, illegal water abstraction and human-wildlife conflict. The planning process was driven by the desire to have a plan for the Mt Kenya Forest reserve due to its unique values, threats towards its conservation and the need to address various management constraints. There are also considerable environmental and economic values that support livelihoods of the communities adjacent to the forest reserve and beyond. The plan embraces collaborative and participatory approaches in conservation and management of natural resources that will lead to ownership of the initiatives by the stakeholders. The plan supports sustainable utilization of natural resources by promoting environmental friendly activities, while enhancing biodiversity conservation. KFS management and utilization activities are currently based on vegetation types namely plantation, indigenous, bamboo, bushland grassland and moorland. The vegetation type dictate the type of management and conservation interventions put in place. This plan has categorized the forest area inside the forest reserve into three major zones namely natural forest, plantation forest and Nyayo tea belt. The zones are further subdivided into four sub-zones based on management options. The plan has also included the community intervention zone to address the activities being undertaken in the farmlands within 5 kilometers from the forest reserve boundary. The plan has 10 development programmes namely Natural forest, Bamboo, Watershed management, Tourism, Farm Forestry, Community participation, Protection &Security, infrastructure &Equipment, Human capital and Research & Monitoring programme. Each programme has several management objectives with corresponding activities targets and costs. The plan has also outlined the cost of its implementation and the revenue projections over the same period.


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APPROVAL PAGE

This forest management plan is approved for implementation and will be amended as need arises.

............................................................ Director, KENYA FOREST SERVICE,

Date ....................................................


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Table of Contents

FOREWORD--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- i

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ii

APPROVAL PAGE----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- iii

LIST OF ABREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ x

1. INTRODUCTION ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

1.1 Goal and Purpose --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 1.1.1 Goal ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 1.1.2 Purpose -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 1.1.3 Justification of the Plan ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 1.1.4 Approach to Plan Development --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

1.2 Implementation of the Plan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2

1.3 Funding of the Management Plan ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2

2. Legal Status and Geographic Location ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3

2.1 Legal and Administrative Status ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3

2.2 Geographical Location--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4

2.3 Biophysical Description ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4 2.3.1 Topography ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 2.3.2 Climate --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 2.3.3 Geology and Soils -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5 2.3.4 Hydrology ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 2.3.5 Flora ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 2.3.6 Fauna ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9

2.4 Socio Economic Status ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 11 2.4.1 Forest Adjacent Communities ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 2.4.2 Cultural and Historical Importance --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 2.4.3 Land tenure ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 2.4.4 Land use ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 2.4.5 Local Economic Activities----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12

2.5 Stakeholders, Roles and Responsibilities ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14

3. PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15

3.1 Policy and Legal Framework ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15 3.1.1 Forest Policy and Legislation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 15 3.1.2 The Wildlife Policy and Legislation --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16 3.1.3 Environmental Management and Coordination, Act --------------------------------------------------- 17 3.1.4 Trust Land Act--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17 3.1.5 Water Policy and legislation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17 3.1.6 Agricultural Policies and Legislation ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18 3.1.7 The Energy Act -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18 3.1.8 The Land Policy ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19 3.1.9 Natural Resources Data and Information Management Policy ------------------------------------- 19


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3.1.10 Grass Fires Act --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20 3.1.11 Fisheries Act ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 20

3.2 Links to Multilateral Environmental Agreements ------------------------------------------------------------------- 20 3.2.1 Millennium Development Goals ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20 3.2.2 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) ----------------------------------------------------------------- 20 3.2.3 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) --------------------- 20 3.2.4 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species ----------------------------------------- 21 3.2.5 Convention on Wetlands ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 21 3.2.6 World Heritage Sites and Man and Biosphere Reserve------------------------------------------------ 21

3.3 Links to the country’s planning process --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21 3.3.1 Links to Vision 2030 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21 3.3.2 Links to KFS Strategic Plan 2009/10 – 2013/14 ----------------------------------------------------------- 22

3.4 Partnership Arrangements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23

4. RATIONALE FOR MT KENYA FOREST RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLANNING -------------- 24

4.1 Value of the forest reserve --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24 4.1.1 Watershed --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 24 4.1.2 Wood and Non Wood Forest Products ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 24 4.1.3 Biodiversity reservoir ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25 4.1.4 Tourism ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 25 4.1.5 Cultural ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 25 4.1.6 Research and Education values --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26 4.1.7 Climate Amelioration ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26

4.2 Threats to forest conservation ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26 4.2.1 Illegal Logging --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26 4.2.2 Charcoal Production ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 27 4.2.3 Over-Grazing ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27 4.2.4 Forest Fires -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27 4.2.5 Invasive Species ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27 4.2.6 Pests and Diseases --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28

4.3 Constraints to Forest Reserve Conservation --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29

4.4 Problem analysis --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30

4.5 Forest Reserve Management and Utilization Zonation ------------------------------------------------------------- 30

4.6 Management objectives ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 32

5. MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 34

5.1 Natural Forest Management Programme ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 34 5.1.1 Background ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 34 5.1.2 Challenges --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 34 5.1.3 Management objectives -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 34 5.1.4 Management action -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 34

5.2 Bamboo Development and Management programme ---------------------------------------------------------------- 37 5.2.1 Background ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 37 5.2.2 Management challenges ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 37 5.2.3 Management objectives -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 37 5.2.4 Management Actions ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 37

5.3 Plantation Development Programme ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 39 5.3.1 Back ground ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 39 5.3.2 Management challenges ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 39


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5.3.3 Management Objectives ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 39 5.3.4 Management Actions ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 39

5.4 Watershed Management Programme ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 42 5.4.1 Back ground ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 42 5.4.2 Management challenges ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 42 5.4.3 Management objective ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 42 5.4.4 Management Actions ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 42

5.5 Tourism Development Programme --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 44 5.5.1 Background ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 44 5.5.2 Management Challenges ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 44 5.5.3 Management Objectives ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 44 5.5.4 Management Actions ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 44

5.6 Farm Forestry Development Programme ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 48 5.6.1 Background ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 48 5.6.2 Challenges --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 48 5.6.3 Objectives ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 48 5.6.4 Management Actions ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 48

5.7 Community Participation Programme ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 52 5.7.1 Background ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 52 5.7.2 Management Challenges ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 52 5.7.3 Management Objectives ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 52 5.7.4 Management Actions ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 52

5.8 Protection and Security Programme ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 54 5.8.1 Background ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 54 5.8.2 Security challenges --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 54 5.8.3 Management Objective --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 54 5.8.4 Management Actions ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 54

5.9 Infrastructure and Equipment Programme ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 57 5.9.1 Background ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 57 5.9.2 Management challenges ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 57 5.9.3 Management Objective --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 57 5.9.4 Management Actions ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 57

5.10 Human Capital Development Programme ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 61 5.10.1 Background ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 61 5.10.2 Management challenges ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 61 5.10.3 Programme Objective: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 61 5.10.4 Management Actions ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 61

5.11 Research and Monitoring Programme ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 63 5.11.1 Background ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 63 5.11.2 Management challenges ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 63 5.11.3 Management objectives -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 63 5.11.4 Management Actions ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 63

6. PLAN IMPLEMENTATION ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 67

6.1 Costs of implementing the management plan -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 67

6.2 Revenue Projections 2010-2019 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 67

6.3 Environmental Impact Assessment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 69

6.4 Monitoring and Evaluation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 69

6.5 Plan Implementation Organization Structure ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 69


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6.6 Guiding principles for the Implementation of the Plan ------------------------------------------------------------- 70

6.7 Community participation in plan implementation ------------------------------------------------------------------- 70

APPENDICES ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 71

Appendix 1: Forest Excisions and additions ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 71

Appendix II: Roles of Stakeholders in Plan Implementation ----------------------------------------------------------------- 72

Appendix III: Existing and proposed Tourism Sites --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 74

Appendix IV: Human Resource Capacity Needs ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 75

Appendix V: Status of Mt. Kenya Forest Reserve ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 76


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LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Forest areas covered by Management Plan ....................................................................................... 3

Table 2: Distribution of vegetation types in Mt Kenya forest ........................................................................ 8

Table 3: Nyayo Tea Zone areas in Mt. Kenya Forest Reserve ........................................................................ 9

Table 4: Mt Kenya Forest Reserve zones and sub-zones ............................................................................. 31

Table 5: Summary of management actions for Natural Forest Programme .............................................. 35

Table 6: Summary of bamboo development actions ..................................................................................... 38

Table 7: Summary of Plantations management actions ................................................................................ 40

Table 8: Summary of Watershed Management Actions ............................................................................... 43

Table 9: Summary of Tourism management actions and lead implementing agencies ........................... 45

Table 10: Farm Forestry Development Programme ...................................................................................... 49

Table 11: Community Participation Programme ........................................................................................... 53

Table 12: Protection Security Programme ...................................................................................................... 55

Table 13: Infrastructure and Equipment Programme ................................................................................... 58

Table 14: Human Capital Development Programme .................................................................................... 62

Table 15: Research and Monitoring Programme ........................................................................................... 64

Table 16: Revenue Projection ............................................................................................................................ 68


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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Map showing location of Mt. Kenya Forest reserve ....................................................................... 4

Figure 2: Drainage System of Mt. Kenya Watershed ...................................................................................... 6

Figure 3: Vegetation types of Mt. Kenya Forest reserve ................................................................................. 7

Figure 4: Proposed Zonation of Mt Kenya Ecosystem .................................................................................. 32

Figure 5: Plan Implementation Organization Structure ............................................................................... 69


x

LIST OF ABREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

ASL Above Sea Level CBD Convention of Biological Diversity CFA Community Forest Association CITES Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species COMIFOR Conservation and Management of Indigenous Forests (Programme) EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EU European Union FCC Forest Conservation Committee FD Forest Department FSGO Forest Service General Order GPS Global Positioning System HQ Headquarters IUCN The World Conservation Union KEFRI Kenya Forestry Research Institute KFS Kenya Forest Service KFWG Kenya Forests Working Group KIFCON Kenya Indigenous Forest Conservation (Programme) KRB Kenya Roads Board KWS Kenya Wildlife Service M.C.A. Mountain Conservation Area MAB Man and the Biosphere (Programme) MoU Memorandum of Understanding MSAL Mt School of Adventure and Leadership, Marania NGO Non-governmental Organization NRC Non-Residential Cultivation PAC Problem Animal Control PELIS Plantations Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNEP United Nations Environment Programme UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization WRMA Water Resources Management Authority WRUAs Water resource Users Associations


xi

DEFINITIONS

Catchment area: The Land from which rainwater drains, via a specific stream or river system to a common outlet which may be a dam, irrigation system or urban water supply or where the stream or river discharges into a larger river. Watershed area: The upper areas of one or more catchments with hydrological linkages to a lower part of the catchments. Species: A taxonomic group whose members can interbreed and produce a viable fertile offspring; also based on genetic and morphological differences between species Nature reserve: Means an area of land declared to be a nature reserve under section 32 of the forest Act 2005 Management plan: Refers to a systematic programme showing all the activities to be undertaken in a forest or part thereof within a period of over 5 years.


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Chapter 1

1. INTRODUCTION

This management plan is for Mt. Kenya Forest Reserve aimed at providing the road map towards sustainable management, improved livelihood of adjacent communities and maximization of revenue.

The Vision of the plan is therefore: A sustainably conserved Forest that provides all ecological functions and social economic benefits.

1.1 Goal and Purpose

1.1.1 Goal

The overall goal of this management plan is to enhance the contribution of the Mt Kenya Forest Reserve in the provision of economic, social and environmental goods and services for the present and future generations

1.1.2 Purpose

The purpose of this management plan is to guide the establishment, development and sustainable management, including conservation and rational utilization of the forest and allied resources for socio-economic development.

1.1.3 Justification of the Plan

This plan is referred to as the Mt. Kenya Forest Reserve Management Plan. The plan covers the Mt Kenya Forest Reserve as gazetted through Kenya Proclamation Rules and Regulations No. 48 of 21st December 1943. The plan is prepared in compliance with the legal requirement under section 35 of the Forests Act, 2005 which provides a mandatory legal requirement for preparation of management plans for management of all State, Local Authority and provisional forests. The plan also takes cognizance of the draft Forest Policy No. 9 of 2005 and KFS Strategic Plan 2009/10 – 2013/14. It embraces collaborative and participatory approaches in conservation and management of natural resources that will lead to ownership of the initiatives by the stakeholders. The plan supports sustainable utilization of natural resources by promoting environmental friendly activities, while enhancing biodiversity conservation. This is the first plan covering the whole of Mt Kenya Forest reserve. Previously the Forest Reserve was managed on plans developed for forest stations.

1.1.4 Approach to Plan Development

The recognition of Mt. Kenya as Man and Biosphere Reserve (MAB) in 1978 and its elevation as a World Heritage Site in 1998 prompted the stakeholders to initiate the development of management plan for Mt. Kenya Ecosystem. The first effort towards


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the development of the ecosystem plan was supported by UNESCO’s World Heritage Center through consultancy. The Kenya Forests Working Group (KFWG) solicited views from the communities surrounding the Mount Kenya ecosystem for input into that draft plan, with support from the UNDP/GEF Small Grants Programme through COMPACT.

The product was presented to a wide range of stakeholders and several issues were raised that necessitated the review of the entire process and redrafting of the plan under the joint leadership of KFS and KWS. There after several consultative retreats were organized to repackage the draft plan with support from GEF which resulted to Mt Kenya Integrated Ecosystem management Plan. Due to the time involved in the consultative process of refining the Integrated Ecosystem Management Plan and the legal requirement under the Forests Act 2005 that all forests are managed on the basis of an approved management plan, KFS started a parallel process to develop a management plan for Mt. Kenya Forest Reserve. The plan is based on the draft Integrated Ecosystem Management Plan and other relevant documents.

1.2 Implementation of the Plan

The success of this plan lies in its being implemented through actualizing of the management programmes and activities. This calls for resource commitment on the part KFS and other stakeholders. The roles and responsibilities of other stakeholders have been identified for the smooth implementation of the management actions. The activities in each programme have been prioritized and resources identified for mobilization. This plan will be implemented for 10 years (2010 – 2019) through Annual Work Plans (AWP) and with support from other sectoral plans. Monitoring and evaluation during the implementation phase will be done periodically. The plan will be reviewed after 5 years and amendments undertaken as needs arise. Both Review and amendments will be carried out in conformity with the plan objectives by KFS in consultation with other stakeholders.

1.3 Funding of the Management Plan

The funding of this plan will comprise of direct budgetary allocation from KFS, support from key stakeholders and development partners. Additional resources will also be solicited from the users/beneficiaries of the forest reserve.


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Chapter 2

2. LEGAL STATUS AND GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION

2.1 Legal and Administrative Status

This management plan covers Mount Kenya Forest Reserve, Lower Imenti, Upper Imenti, Thunguru hill, Njuki-ini East, Njukiini West, and Kierera Forest. The plan also covers a buffer zone of forest adjacent areas. Mount Kenya Forest Reserve and the adjoining forest, (see table 1 below) were gazetted under Forest Department (currently Kenya Forest Service) with the aim of forest and water conservation, utilization and development. This included establishing plantations, regulating access to resources and sustaining a forest industry. All the five forest blocks are hereby in this plan referred to as Mt. Kenya Forest Reserve. The forest reserve is administered under 21 forest stations spread throughout the forest reserve and the forest stations are under 5 forest zones managed by a Zonal Forest Manager.

Table 1: Forest areas covered by Management Plan

Name of forest Legal Notice Area (ha)

Mt. Kenya Forest Reserve 48 of 1943 198,249.69

Lower Imenti 104 of 1938 2,462.1

Upper Imenti 104 of 1938 10,376.15

Thunguru Hill 335 of 1959 631.3

Njukiini West 385 of 1994 570.2

Kierera 335 of 1959 793.2

Total areas 213,082.64

Source: KFS

The Mt. Kenya National Park (58,883.8 ha) was curved out of the Forest Reserve (upper zone above 3200 metres above sea level) and gazetted in 1949 vide legal notice No. 69 of 6th June 1949. In 1968, an additional 10,522.2 ha in Sirimon and Naromoru were added to the Park bringing the total National Park area to 69,406 ha. There have been other alterations to the Forest Reserve including excisions for settlement and agriculture as shown in Appendix 1. In 1986, the Government established the Nyayo Tea Zones Development Corporation vide Legal Notice No. 265 of 1986 with the aim of promoting forest conservation by providing a buffer zone of tea to check against human encroachment into forest reserves. This area was however not de-gazetted as provided for under the then Forests Act, Cap 385 and therefore remained under duo gazettement.


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Nyeri

EmbuKirinyaga

Meru South

Meru Central

N

N

NyeriEmbuKir inyaga

Meru Sout h

Meru Cent ral

K E N Y A

2.2 Geographical Location

Mt Kenya Forest Reserve is located to the east of the Great Rift Valley, along Latitude 0’ 10’S and longitude 37’ 20’E. It bestrides the equator in the central highland zones of Kenya. The mountain is situated in two Forest Conservancies and five forest management zones namely Nyeri and Kirinyaga in Central Highlands Conservancy and Meru Central, Meru South and Embu in Eastern Conservancy.

Figure 1: Map showing location of Mt. Kenya Forest reserve

2.3 Biophysical Description

2.3.1 Topography

Mount Kenya Forest Reserve falls within the larger Mt Kenya Ecosystem which represents one of the most important pristine mountain ecosystems in the world and the most impressive landscapes in East Africa due to its mountain peaks with rugged glacier-clad summits and diverse forests. Mt. Kenya was formed as a result of volcanic activity and it has a base diameter of approximately 120km. The Mountain is the country’s highest mountain and second highest in Africa with its icy summit reaching at the two highest peaks Batian (5,199 m) and Nelion (5,188 m) located in the national park. It is broadly cone-shaped with deeply incised valleys radiating from the peaks, which are largely attributed to


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glacial erosion. There are about 20 glacial tarns (small lakes) of varying sizes and numerous glacial moraine features between altitudes 3,950m and 4,800m above sea level.

2.3.2 Climate

The climate of Mt. Kenya region is largely determined by altitude. There are great differences in altitude within short distances, which determine a great variation in climate over relatively small distances. Average temperatures decrease by 0.6 0C for each 100m increase in altitude. An afro-alpine type of climate, typical of the tropical East African high mountains, characterizes the higher ranges of Mt. Kenya. The altitudes with the highest rainfall are between 2,700 and 3,100m, while above 4,500m most precipitation falls as snow or hail. Frosts are common above 2500 masl. Rainfall pattern in Mt. Kenya ecosystem is bimodal. It ranges from 900 mm in the north Leeward side) to 2,300 mm on the southeastern slopes (Windward side) of the mountain (Survey of Kenya, 1966) with maximum rains falling during months of March to June and October to November. The driest months are January and February with the windward side experiencing the strongest effects of the trade wind system. The diurnal temperature range in January and February may be as high as 200 C. This diurnal variation causes warm air to fall down the mountain during the night and early morning and rise up the mountain from mid-morning to evening. As a result, the upper part of the mountain is usually clear in the morning, clouded over from about 11.00 am to 5.00 pm and clear again shortly before dusk.

In the transition zone between the heights of 3600-3700m and also down to 2900m along the altitudinal range, there are topographical features, including foot ridges, plateaus, valleys and inselbergs.

2.3.3 Geology and Soils

Mt. Kenya ecosystem consists of basic and intermediate rocks including phonolites, trachytes, basalts, kenytes and syenites. Pyroclastic rocks and volcanic ash originating from various secondary eruptions especially on the north and northeast slopes cover much of the mountain ecosystem.

The soils of Mt Kenya region are classified into the following four broad groups (Spec 1978), Sombroek et’al. 1982).

(a) In the highest mountain area, above 4000m asl, the soils are shallow and consist of very stony dark loams with high organic matter and low bulk density. They include Leptosols, Regosols and Greysols (soils of valley bottom).

(b) The soils on the upper slopes between 2400 and 4000m asl have dark surface horizons and low bulk density. They are also rich in organic matter and are


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mainly formed from young pyroclastic rocks. These soils include Regosols, Histosols and Andosols.

(c) The soil characteristic of the lower slopes (Below 2600m) is influenced by the amount of rainfall received in the area. In the forested mountain areas to the east, south and western slopes where there is plentiful rainfall; the soils are intensively red with considerable amount of clay. The main soil groups are Nitisols, Cambisols and Andosols.

(d) Soils on the western plains and to the northwestern of the mountain (Grassland zone with low rainfall) have dark top horizons and high proportions of clay minerals. The main soil types are Phaeozems, Planosols and Vertisols.

2.3.4 Hydrology

Mt. Kenya ecosystem is of major economic and ecological importance in Kenya due to its value as a watershed and catchments area. The mountain is one of the five main water towers of Kenya, the others being the Aberdare ranges, Mau complex, Mt. Kenya and Cherangani hills. Mt. Kenya is the source of two of Kenya’s largest rivers, the Tana and Ewaso Nyiro. The mountain contributes about 50% of the entire flow of the Tana River, the largest and most important river basin in Kenya. About 50% of Kenyans rely on water that originates from the mountain and it provides 70% of the country’s hydroelectric power.

The main rivers Gathita, Thingithu, Kithinu, Mutonga, Nithi, Tungu, Ruguti, Thuci, Rupingazi, Nyamindi, Thiba, Rwamuthambi, Ragati, Sagana and Nairobi running from the north east through the east and south to the west of the mountain, supply water to the Tana river system. On the western and northern slopes of Mt. Kenya originate numerous streams that provide catchment for the Ewaso Ngiro River. These include Naromoru, Burguret, Likii and Sirimon.

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Masinga ReservoirMasinga Reservoir

Kiambere Reservoir

Kamburu Reservoir

Gitaru Reservoir

Kindaruma Reservoir

0

Embu

Meru

Chuka

Nyeri

Sagana

Muranga

Nanyuki

Naro MoruBatian 5199

Satima 4001

Kinangop 3906

0 10 20 30 405Kilometers

Overview Mt._Kenya Drainage

Nanyuki

Naro Moru

Kazita

Mutonga

Sagana

Nyam

indi

Thuchi

Tana

Nithi

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Mount Kenya

National Reserve

Legend

# Mountain_(height_in_m)

! Major_towns

Reservoirs

Main Roads

Lakes

Rivers

Protected_areas

Figure 2: Drainage System of Mt. Kenya Watershed


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Nyeri

EmbuK

irinyaga

Meru South

Meru Central

Vegetation types

PlantationsIndigenous ForestBamboo/Indigenous Forest

BambooBush

GrassMoorland

Tea zoneNational Park

District boundary

N

A d o p t ed f r o m C O M I F O R 1 9 9 6 ( B a s e d o n a e r ia l p h o to g r a p h y 1 : 2 5 , 0 0 0 )

2.3.5 Flora Mount Kenya ecosystem constitutes an important reservoir for biodiversity. Beenjte (1991) and Bussman (1994) identified 880 plant species, subspecies and varieties belonging to 479 genera in 146 families below the 3200 m altitude. There are at least 11 endemic species of higher plants and more than 150 species that are near endemic. Vegetation types and species distribution are distinguished according to the different climatic zones and altitudes, most obviously through variation in vegetation structure, cover and composition. The vegetation of the Forest Reserve varies with altitude. The following vegetation zones are apparent from the high altitudes to lower altitudes.

(a) Moorland This lies between 3000m and 3500m. It’s also referred to as Ericaceous belt and is mainly covered with giant heath, African sage (Artemisia afra) and several Gentians (Swertia spp). It is also characterized by smaller trees in glades, such as the East African Rosewood (Hagenia abyssinica) and St. John’s Wort (Hypericum spp). Trees are covered with moss and lichens (Usnea spp).

(b) Pure Bamboo This is a pure bamboo (Arudinaria spp) zone occurring between 2550 and 2650 masl on the Southern and Eastern side.

(c) Mixed Bamboo with indigenous trees This zone is dominated by Arudinaria alpina, and extends from 2500 to 3200. On the western side, the zone lies between 2560 and 3200 masl while on the eastern it lies between 2800 and 2950 masl. Podocarpus latifolia are spread throughout the Bamboo. Sambucus Africana grows on openings during transition phase of collapsed Bamboo stems. The bamboo zone is absent in the northern side due to drier conditions.

Figure 3: Vegetation types of Mt. Kenya Forest reserve


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(d) Indigenous forest

This zone starts at 2400m down to 2000m and is dominated by Podocarpus latifolia mixed with Nuxia congesta at the upper altitudes Forest types that occur at lower altitudes include (a) moist Ocotea forests; (Ocotea usambarensis) occur between 1500 and 2400m on the southern and south-eastern slopes, (b) Newtonia forest in the Lower Imenti forest, east of Meru and on the eastern slopes at lower altitudes, (c) Croton sylvaticus-Premna forest occurs in the upper Imenti forest near Meru at altitudes 1500-1800m and (d) Croton-Brachylaena-Calodendrum forest also occurs near Meru at altitudes 1450-1850m.

(e) Plantation forest zone

In the early 1900, commercial forest plantations were introduced in the area between 2200m and 2400m. The main purpose was supplying commercial forest products to the forest industries located within the forest adjacent areas. Main commercial tree species planted include Cypress, Pines, and Eucalypts. In addition, there are plantations of indigenous species mainly Vitex keniensis and Juniperus procera.

Table 2: Distribution of vegetation types in Mt Kenya forest

District Indigenous Forest (ha)

Plantation (ha)

Bush land (ha)

Grass land (ha)

Bamboo (ha)

Moorland/others (ha)

Total

Nyeri 33,658.46 9,936.93 2,725.80 5,775.79 12,141.24 169.4 64,407.62

Embu 7,748.7 474.0 256.7 2,497.4 6,837.0 444.8 18,258.60

Meru Central 55,790.0 5,521.0 7,129.0 12,340.0 4,070.0 0.0 84,850.00

Kirinyaga 13,245.6 1,247.7 5,350.0 398.0 10,120.0 4.1 30,365.40

Meru South 28,873.0 230.2 2,300.0 570.0 5,800.0 1,600.0 39,373.20

Total 176,115.8 18,183.1 17,761.5 21,217.4 38,968.2 4,871.6 277,117.60

Source: Primary data compilation by Zonal Forest Managers

(f) Nyayo Tea Zone

This area was opened up by the Nyayo Tea Zones Development Corporation which was established vide Legal Notice No. 265 of 1986 with the aim of promoting forest conservation by providing a buffer zone to check against human encroachment into forest reserves. Out of the 17 zones established countrywide in tea growing areas, there are 5 zones in Mt. Kenya, namely Embu, Mathira, Kirinyaga, Meru Central and Meru South. The total area opened up during the clearing for establishment of the tea belt in Mt. Kenya was 1,194.8 hectares out of which 787.9 hectares are currently under tea, 241.8 hectares are under fuel wood plantations and another 165.1 hectares which were also cleared were replanted with indigenous trees. The table below provides a breakdown of the area under the Nyayo Tea Zone in Mt. Kenya.


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Table 3: Nyayo Tea Zone areas in Mt. Kenya Forest Reserve

Zone Tea (Ha) Fuel wood plantations (Ha) Indigenous (Ha) Total

Embu 173.0 46.7 219.7

Meru Central 143.1 46.5 5.0 194.6

Kirinyaga 238.0 26.8 3.0 267.8

Mathira 106.8 101.8 144.1 352.7

Meru South 127.0 20.0 13.0 160.0

Total 787.9 241.8 165.1 1,194.8

Source: NTZDC Website

(g) Trees in forest adjacent farmlands

This zone refers to the influence area of the Forest reserve and generally does not exceed 5 kilometers from the forest boundary. Much of the land in the altitudinal range between 1500 and 2500 masl has been cleared of its natural vegetation and is now covered by cultivation and post cultivation vegetation. In some areas, however remnants of natural vegetation are found along the riverine corridors and some indigenous trees are found in the farmlands. In this zone, agro-forestry and farm forestry are widely practiced. The resultant tree vegetation in the farmlands is a mixture of indigenous and exotic tree species which is composed of several indigenous trees including Croton macrostachus, Croton megalocarpus, Bridelia micrantha, Erythrina abyssinica, Cussonia holstii, Markhamia lutea and Ekebergia capensis. In this zone there is also a large percentage of introduced species of which the most dominant is the Grevillea robusta. Other exotic species include Cuppressus lusitanica, Eucalyptus saligna, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Cassia siamea and Leucaena leucocephala.

2.3.6 Fauna

Mt. Kenya Forest Reserve is home to a wide diversity of fauna. Mammals with a conservation interest in the reserve include African elephant (Loxodonta africana), leopard (Panthera pardus), giant forest hog (Hylochoerus meinertzhageni), Bongo (Tragelaphus euryceros) and the black fronted duiker (Cephalophus nigrifrons hooki). There are also over ten species of ungulates in Mt. Kenya forest reserve. These include the duiker (Neotrragus moschatus), bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), deffassa water buck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus), mountain reedbuck (Redunca fulvorufula), bush pig (Potamochoerus porcus), the common zebra (Equus burchelli), eland (Tragelaphus oryx), steinbok (Raphicerus campestris), Harveys red duiker (cephalophus Harveyi)and common duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia altivallis). These animals are spread over the entire ecosystem but their densities are low in the southern slopes. Cape buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) occur on the western slopes of the mountain but are rare on the eastern slopes possibly because of their preference for open bushland.

Several primates are found in Mt. Kenya forest reserve, the most common being the black and white colobus (Colobus guereza) and Sykes monkey (Cercopithecus mitis). These primates are widely spread within the forest reserve. The olive baboon (Papio


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anubis) is common on the forest margins where it is a nuisance to farmers from nearby communities. The lesser bush baby (Galago senegalenses) and greater bush baby (Galago crassicaudatus) have also been recorded in the forest reserve.

The only large carnivores other than the leopard (Panthera pardus) found within the ecosystem are the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), which is found mostly on the northern and western slopes, and the striped hyena (Hyena hyena). On the grasslands carnivores such as cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), wildcat (Felis lybica), serval (Felis serval) and black backed jackal (Canis mesomelas) have been recorded. Other small carnivores found in the forest include; genet (Genetta tigrina), civet (Civettictis civetta) and several species of mongoose including the slender mongoose (Herpestes sanguineus), marsh mongoose (Atilax paludinosus), the white tailed mongoose (Ichneumia albicauda) and the Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon).

The Forest Reserve is a habitat for several small mammals. The most commonly sighted include the giant pouched rat (Cricetomys gambianus), giant cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus), mole rat (Tachyoryctes rex), zorilla (Ictonyx striatus albescens, tree hyrax (Dendrohyrax arboreus), the Huet’s bush squirrel, (Paraxerus ochraceus kahari), the red-legged sun squirrel (Heliosciurus rufobrachium), the aardvark (Orycteropus afer) and the porcupine (Hystrix cristata).

Mount Kenya is also an important bird area (IBA) and home to the threatened and little known Abbott’s starling. 53 out of Kenya’s 67 African highland biome bird species, at least 35 forest specialist species and six of the 8 species from Kenyan Mountains Endemic Bird Area reportedly occur in Mt. Kenya forest reserve. Some of the bird species found within the reserve are; Ayres’ hawk eagle (Hieraaetus dubius), crowned hawk eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus), hartlaub’s turaco (Turaco hartlaubi), Jackson’s francolin (Francolinus jacksoni), scaly francolin (Francolinus squamatus), silvery cheeked-hornbill (Ceratogymna brevis), bronze-naped pigeon (Columba iriditorques), rufous-breasted hawk (Accipiter tachiro). Other birds include the harmer Kop (Scopus umbretta), green ibis (Lambribis olivaceae), olive pigeon (Colomba arquatrix), giant kingfisher (Megacerryle maxima), crowned hornbill (Tockus alboterminatus) and grey-headed kingfisher (Halcyon leucocephala) among other common birds.

Wildlife numbers and species diversity seem to increase in the lower zones especially in the bush land community as compared to the middle heavily settled areas. Dik dik (Rynchotragus kirkii), baboon (Papio anubis), ground squirrel (Euxerus erythrops), porcupine (Hystrix cristata) and hippopotamus (Hippopotamus ampihibious) are the common mammals found in this bushland vegetation. Reptiles have also been recorded within this zone and the common species are crocodile (Crocodylus niliticus), monitor lizard (Veranus niloticus), agama lizard (Agama agama), African python (Python sebae), spitting cobra (Naja nigricollis) and African turtle (Trionyx triungis). Common birds found in this zone include the cattle egret (Bulbucus ibis), mouse bird (Colius striatus), crested guinefowl (Guttera pucherani), crested francolin (Francolinus sephaena), golden backed weaver bird (ploceus jacksonii), superb starling (Spreo superbus) and many more.


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2.4 Socio Economic Status

2.4.1 Forest Adjacent Communities

Communities living adjacent to Mount Kenya Forest Reserve are mainly agriculturists. The Kikuyu community occupy the western side of Mount Kenya, Meru people on the eastern side, while to the south is the Embu ethnic group. Other tribes that interact with the ecosystem include the pastoralist communities who occupy the northern part of the mountain. The total population of the community that live within the districts that border the ecosystem was 17.6 million in 1999 (1999 Kenya population census data.)

2.4.2 Cultural and Historical Importance

Over the years, Mount Kenya has held spiritual and religious importance for local communities living adjacent to the ecosystem. Mt Kenya has greatly been regarded as a shrine of important cultural value. The Kikuyu, Embu and Meru people term the mountain as the traditional home for their God (Murungu/Ngai), whose presence is associated with the peaks of the Mountain. Prayers and rituals are carried out in several sacred sites within the ecosystem in times of need e.g. to bring rain and bless the communities. The sacred areas include hills (Kirima Kiamatu, Kirima Ntue, Kirima Kiamwioko and Kirima Kiamagimbi), the peaks of the mountain, lakes (Nkunga and Thae), caves and rivers. Many tree species of the ecosystem including the Ficus sur (Mukuu), Ficus thonningii (Mugumo), Indigofera erecta (Muthaara) among others are considered sacred and are used during performance of various rituals and ceremonies.

Mt Kenya Forest Reserve served as hideout for Mau-mau freedom fighters waging war against British colonial masters in the 1950s. The forest also provided a camping site for the runaway Italian prisoners of war (POW) during the Second World War.

2.4.3 Land tenure

Land ownership within the area falls under different categories of land tenure. The agricultural lands - both large-scale (horticulture and floriculture) and small scale are held under freehold (Private ownership), whereas ranches and sanctuaries are held under leasehold as government lands. Other types of land tenures include public lands and trust land.

2.4.4 Land use

Agriculture is the main economic activity in the areas adjacent to the forest reserve. The type of agriculture practiced and productivity potential depend mainly on altitude, which in turn determines the temperatures and amount of rainfall. On the eastern and southern side of the mountain, where rainfall is high, intensive arable farming is practiced. In the upper areas, potatoes, pyrethrum and tea are grown. In the mid-latitudes zones, coffee, maize, beans, rice and bananas and mixed livestock farming are practiced, while in the lower zones, tobacco, cotton, sorghum, millet, pigeon peas and cow peas are most dominant crops. The area surrounding the forest is among areas of high agricultural potential in Kenya. Farm areas are of different sizes with tea and coffee farming covering an


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important share of the available land, except for small plots on valley bottoms where vegetables and other horticultural crops are grown. Small plots near the homesteads are used for subsistence crops such as maize and beans. The average land sizes in Kirinyaga, Embu and Meru South is 0.8 ha while in Meru Central, Imenti North, Imenti South and parts of Nyeri North land sizes vary from 1-2 ha.

Farm forestry is also practiced within the area. The tree mix consists of both indigenous and fast growing exotic species. Various agro-forestry practices have been adopted which include tree planting in woodlots, cropland, around homesteads and along farm boundaries. Riparian vegetation has been conserved along the river valleys and wetlands. Farm forestry has been an important livelihood activity due to the ban on logging in Mount Kenya region since the year 2000.

2.4.5 Local Economic Activities

(a) Agriculture

The area around the forest reserve has very high agricultural potential due to the fertile soils and reliable rainfall. Farming is thus the main stay of the economy of the forest adjacent communities around the ecosystem. The type of agriculture practiced and the potential of productivity depend mainly on altitude, which in turn determines the temperatures and amount of rainfall. The fertile soils attracted agriculturists who settled in the lower slopes of the mountain. Subsequent population increase has led to gradual encroachments into upper slopes, resulting to continuous land subdivision up to very small land parcels. In the densely populated windward side, these range between 1-2 acres of land where population densities average 1000 people per km2. Agriculture is mainly rain-fed though irrigation is practiced in some areas. The farming practices are both large-scale and small scale where the land ownership is mainly under freehold (Private ownership). The main cash crops include tea, coffee, wheat, rice, horticulture and floriculture. A large proportion of the households adjacent to the forest reserve have a history of engaging in farming in the forest in the practice previously referred to as shamba system, non-residential cultivation (NRC) and recently introduced as plantation establishment and livelihood improvement scheme (PELIS) in many stations around Mt. Kenya. Small-scale cash crop and subsistence farming increase with elevation because of better soils and rainfall availability at the higher altitudes. Farm areas are of different sizes with tea bushes covering an important share of the available land, except for small plots on valley bottoms where vegetables such as kales, carrots, cabbages, tomatoes and other horticultural crops are grown. Small plots near the homesteads are used for subsistence crops such as maize, onions, bananas, sugar cane, Irish potatoes and beans with farm forest trees planted along the boundaries of the plots. Dairy farming also forms an important livelihood activity in the area. Most farm families keep cows for milk production for domestic purposes but any surplus is


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sold. Other important livestock kept include sheep, goats, poultry, donkeys and oxen. The latter are mainly used to plough and as a means of transportation of farm produce and provide other household services.

(b) Business enterprises

A good number of people in the area operate small business enterprises. These include shops, kiosks, selling milk and other farm products, selling timber and wood products, honey, firewood and charcoal. Others engage in quarrying and breaking ballast. Others derive their livelihood from providing casual labour on the farms while others are formally employed.

(c) Tourism

Mt Kenya ecosystem has attractive sceneries and great potential for tourism development, which is yet to be fully harnessed. The ecosystem is endowed with unique geomorphologic features, cultural and historical sites that are of great tourism attraction. In addition there is a diversity of wildlife populations which include elephants, buffalos, reptiles and birds, which attract visitors. The ecosystem supports tourism in the region by offering a diversity of activities such as bird watching, trout fishing, walking and wilderness trails. The presence of salt licks, fishing sites and sites of high scenic beauty in the forest reserve indicate that the potential of tourism if fully developed and well regulated revenue will increase. The running of hotels around the ecosystem promotes employment both directly and indirectly through the flow of demand for goods and services. The local communities get gainful employment from tourism as tour guides and as they trade in agricultural products in hotels in the nearby towns and other urban centers.

(d) Forestry

Agro-forestry and farm forestry are also practiced within the area. Trees are planted around homesteads and along farm boundaries. In agro-forestry and farm forestry systems, tree mix consist of both indigenous and exotic tree species but faster growing exotics dominate. Such species include; silky oak (Grevillea robusta), blue gum (Eucalyptus spp), river red gum Senna siamea, Leucaena leucocephala and cypress (Cypressus lusitanica). Agro-forestry and farm forestry has been an important livelihood activity. Local communities surrounding the ecosystem rely heavily on the use of forest products. Households adjacent to the forests depend on the forest products more than those who live further away. Poor households make more use of the forest than the rich families and farms with few trees make more use of the forest than farms with many trees. Forest uses include firewood, grass harvesting for animal fodder, livestock grazing, beekeeping and water collection from mineral saline springs for medicinal and cooking purposes.

(e) Fishing


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Fish farming has been done commercially on various sites around the mountain. A few small scale farmers and self-groups have also initiated fish farming for the growing market especially in the local hotel industry.

2.5 Stakeholders, Roles and Responsibilities

Individuals, groups and institutions who are directly or indirectly affected by decisions made on the conservation and management of the Forest Reserve form the list of stakeholders. They are classified into the following categories:-

(a) Public institutions: {KWS, NEMA, NMK, WRMA, KEFRI, MOA, MOWI, MOF&W, OP, KTB, KENGEN, TARDA, KTDA, KPLC, WSB, MOE, NTZDC, Ministry of Fisheries, etc}

(b) NGOs: Nature Kenya, ICRAF, IUCN, KFWG, FSK, Wildlife Clubs of Kenya, WWF, AWF, etc

(c) Community based organizations: CFA, WRUA

(d) Development Partners/donors (Current): {WB, AfDB, MOFA (Finland), IFAD, GEF, EU}

(e) Educational Institutions: Universities, Colleges, Schools, etc

(f) Industrialists/business groups: Saw millers, horticulture industry, mineral water companies, hotels, tour operators, etc

(g) Faith based organizations

The roles and responsibilities for different stakeholders based on institutional mandate, agreements, MoUs, influence and interests, and other contributions in conservation and management of the Forest Reserve are analyzed in Appendix II.


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Chapter 3

3. PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS

3.1 Policy and Legal Framework

The preparation, planning and implementation process of the Mt Kenya Forest Reserve Management plan is based on the draft Forest Policy (Sessional Paper No. 4 of 2006), the Forests Act, 2005 and the KFS Strategic Plan (2009/2014). It also takes into cognizance the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA), 1999, the Wildlife (Conservation and Management) Act, Cap. 376 and the Water Act, 2002 among other policies and legislative frameworks whose objectives have a direct impact on sustainable conservation, management and utilization of Mt. Kenya Forest Reserve.

3.1.1 Forest Policy and Legislation

The Forests Act 2005 and draft Policy have their origins in the Kenya Forestry Master Plan which was developed between 1990 and 1994, and which called for reforms in forestry policy and legislation to facilitate development of the sector over the next 25 years.

Broadly, the reforms aimed at improving efficiency in the forestry sector’s contribution to social and economic development and environmental sustainability. This included new institutional arrangements for forest sector regulation and forest management, greater involvement of local government and local communities in forest management, and provisions for forest industry involvement in timber production. The revised policy integrates the forestry sector with other sectors, as well as addressing new concerns and realities in forestry and natural resource management.

The objectives of the Draft forest policy are to:-

(a) Contribute to poverty reduction, employment creation and improvement of livelihoods through sustainable use, conservation and management of forests and trees;

(b) Contribute to sustainable land use through soil, water and biodiversity conservation, and tree planting through the sustainable management of forests and trees;

(c) Promote the participation of the private sector, communities and other stakeholders in forest management to conserve water catchment areas, create employment, reduce poverty and ensure the sustainability of the forest sector;

(d) Promote farm forestry to produce timber, woodfuel and other forest products;

(e) Promote dryland forestry to produce woodfuel and to supply wood and non-wood forest products;

(f) Promote forest extension to enable farmers and other forest stakeholders to benefit from forest management approaches and technologies; and


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(g) Promote forest research, training and education to ensure a vibrant forest sector.

The Forests Act, 2005 was formulated to implement the revised Forest Policy. The Act provides for the establishment, development, sustainable management, utilization as well as conservation of forest resources for the socio-economic development of the country while taking into account that:-

(a) forests play a vital role in the stabilisation of soils and ground water, thereby supporting the conduct of reliable agricultural activity, and that they play a crucial role in protecting water catchments in Kenya and moderating climate by absorbing green house gases;

(b) forests provide the main locus of Kenya’s biological diversity and a major habitat for wildlife;

(c) forests are the main source of domestic fuel wood for the Kenyan people, and that they provide essential raw materials for wood based industries and a variety of non-wood forest products;

(d) Kenya is committed to the inter-sectoral development and sustainable use of forestry resources; and

(e) Kenya is committed under international conventions and other agreements to promote the sustainable management, conservation and utilization of forests and biological diversity.

Under the Act, Kenya Forest Service was established to spearhead forestry development in the country. The Service collaborates with other agencies in promoting sustainable forest management and enforcing forest-related laws, rules and regulations in the country. Forest conservation and management has been opened up to wider participation of stakeholders. These new arrangements require active participation of communities and the private sector in management of state forests.

The Forests Act provides for stakeholder participation in forest management. It recognizes Community Forest Associations (CFAs) as major stakeholders in the management and conservation of forests and provides for their participation through joint management agreements, as well as representation in Forest Conservation Committees. Joint management arrangements will be developed to ensure communities benefit, while protecting the forest estate for purposes of water, soil and bio-diversity conservation, carbon sequestration and sustainable production of wood and non-wood forest products.

3.1.2 The Wildlife Policy and Legislation

The Wildlife Policy, Sessional Paper No. 3 of 1975 governs conservation of wildlife within and outside protected areas. It also supports community initiatives towards conservation and plays an advisory role to the local communities by providing regulations that enable the generation of optimum returns from wildlife. The Policy, however, does not allow consumptive utilization of wildlife resources within the


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parks, only non–consumptive uses such as recreation and tourism. The Wildlife (Conservation and Management) Act Cap. 376 of 1976 provides for the protection, conservation and management of wildlife in Kenya.

The Wildlife Policy and Legislation are now under review, with a view to bringing them in line with the latest thinking and approaches to conservation. The goal of the draft Wildlife Policy (2007) is to provide a framework for conserving in perpetuity, Kenya’s rich diversity of species, habitats and ecosystems for the well being of its people and the global community. The policy focuses on conservation and management of wildlife inside and outside protected areas, sustainable management of wildlife resources and human wildlife conflict.

3.1.3 Environmental Management and Coordination, Act

The Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) No. 8 of 1999, embraces all environmental management issues in the country. The Act has been a great boost in addressing the environmental concerns and safeguarding against environmental degradation within and outside forest reserves.

The Act provides the legal framework for the implementation of National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP). It provides that every person in Kenya is entitled to a clean and healthy environment and has a duty to safeguard and enhance the environment. It also emphasizes maximum participation by stakeholders in the development and implementation of policies, plans and processes for the management of the environment.

3.1.4 Trust Land Act

The Trust Land Act, Cap. 288 of 1962 (revised 1970), sets out regulations for all land that is Trust land (land held by local authorities on behalf of the people resident in that area). The Act sets rules for setting apart of land, for utilization of timber and other forest products, and for other forms of utilization. Section 65 of the Act deals with forests and forest produce. This section stipulates that the Minister for Local Government may, with the approval of the council concerned, make rules for the protection of trees and forest produce on land not within a forest area within the meaning of the Forest Act and for regulating the felling or removal of such trees or forest produce. However, section 38 of the Forests Act 2005, provides for management of Local Authority forests on sustainable basis.

3.1.5 Water Policy and legislation

Sessional Paper no. 1 of 1999 on National Water Policy provides policy direction for the water sector including among others, preservation, conservation and protection of available water resources; sustainable, rational and economical allocation of water resources; supplying adequate amounts of water meeting acceptable standards for the various needs; ensuring safe wastewater disposal for environmental protection; and developing a sound and sustainable financial system for effective water resources management, water supply and water borne sewage collection, treatment and disposal.


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The Water Act 2002 forms the principal legislation governing protection and management of water resources in Kenya and provides diverse safeguards to regulate water development. In an effort to control abuse and irrational allocation, the Act vests the national water resources to the State, which then authorizes utilization. Abstraction is regulated by the Water Resource Management Authority (WRMA) through issuance of water permits. Decisions on the granting of water permits takes into account other existing lawful uses, efficient and beneficial use of water in the public interest, requisite catchment management strategies, potential impact of abstraction on the water resource and other users, quality considerations, and strategic importance of the proposed water use among other factors.

In furtherance to the Water Act 2002, the Ministry of Water and Irrigation and Water Resources Management Authority (WRMA) in collaboration with other stakeholders prepared a set of regulations which were gazetted in September 2007 to give guidelines on water permit acquisition and adherence to specified conditions and enforcement of user fee charges.

3.1.6 Agricultural Policies and Legislation

The Agriculture Act Cap 318 of the Laws of Kenya seeks to promote and maintain a stable agriculture, to provide for the conservation of the soil and its fertility and to stimulate the development of agricultural land in accordance with the accepted practices of good land management and good husbandry.

The Act provides legislative control over soil conservation and land management. Any activities that may destabilize river beds are prohibited and the Ministry of Agriculture can impose land conservation orders to control cultivation, grazing and clearing of vegetation. The recently gazetted Farm Forestry Rules, 2009 aims at promoting and maintaining farm forest cover of at least 10 per cent of every agricultural land holding and to preserve and sustain the environment in combating climate change and global warming.

The agricultural sector will remain at the heart of the environmental management discourse in Kenya. Activities in the sector impact most directly on the health of the environment and are indeed the source of direct environmental damage by way of land-based pollution, Greenhouse gas emissions and ultimately the modification of the overall hydro-meteorological cycle. Specifically, agricultural activities are often responsible for the reduction of biodiversity, destruction of soils, pollution of water sources and pollution of wetlands through siltation and adverse landscape changes.

The Strategy for Revitalizing Agriculture (SRA; 2004–2014) presents strategic interventions, which will transform agriculture into a competitive and commercially oriented enterprise. The Mt. Kenya Forest Reserve Management Plan hopes to play its part in supporting the fulfillment of the SRA.

3.1.7 The Energy Act

The Energy sector is governed by the Energy Act, No. 12 of 2006. The Act empowers the Minister responsible for energy to promote the development and use of renewable energy including (i) providing an enabling framework for efficient and


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sustainable production, distribution and marketing of biomass, solar, wind, small hydros, geothermal and charcoal; (ii) promoting the use fast maturing trees for energy production including biofuels and the establishment of commercial woodlots including peri-urban plantations; (iii) promoting international cooperation on programmes focusing on renewable energy; (iv) harnessing opportunities offered under clean development mechanism and other mechanisms including, carbon credit trading to promote development and exploitation of renewable energy; (v) promoting the utilization of renewable energy sources for power generation and transportation; and (vi) promoting the production and use of gasohol and biodiesel.

In order to regulate production, transportation and marketing of charcoal, the Forests (Charcoal) Rules, 2009 have been gazetted under the Forests Act, 2005.

3.1.8 The Land Policy

The Sessional Paper No. 3 of 2009 on National Land Policy was formulated to address the critical issues of land administration, access to land, land use planning and environmental degradation. It also addresses restitution of historical injustices, conflicts, unplanned proliferation of informal urban settlements and information management. It recognizes the need for security of tenure for all Kenyans. The overall objective of the National Land Policy is to secure rights over land and provide for sustainable growth, investment and the reduction of poverty in line with the Government’s overall development objectives. Among others, the Policy shall offer a framework of policies and laws designed to ensure the maintenance of a system of land administration and management that will provide efficient and effective utilisation of land and land based resources.

The Policy designates all land in Kenya as public, community and private land. Most significantly, the Policy establishes a mechanism for securing the tenure of public land by placing all public land under the National land Commission to hold and manage the land in trust for the people of Kenya. The Policy has provisions aimed at protecting forest reserves and water catchment areas through establishment of mechanisms for repossession of any public land acquired illegally or irregularly and establishment of an appropriate system for registering public institutional land. Through the Policy, the Government will ensure that all land is put into productive use on a sustainable basis by facilitating the implementation of key principles on land use, productivity targets and guidelines as well as conservation.

3.1.9 Natural Resources Data and Information Management Policy

The draft National Policy on Natural Resources Data and Information Management (2007) aims at enhancing and coordinating generation of and handling of harmonised natural resource information for sound management and monitoring of natural resources and sustainable development. A draft Bill aimed at implementing the Policy is also in place awaiting Parliamentary debate. The draft policy and Bill are important to the forestry sector as we engage in investments including carbon credit which demand higher precision data sets to ensure optimal returns for the investments.


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3.1.10 Grass Fires Act

The grass fire Act, Cap 327 provides for protection of vegetation by regulating burning of bushes, shrubs, grass, crops and stubble through issuance of permits to carry out planned burning processes within protected areas, trust land and in private lands. Burning as a natural resource conservation measure helps in controlling pests and invasive plant species.

3.1.11 Fisheries Act

The Fisheries Act Cap 378 of 1989 of the Laws of Kenya provides for development, utilization and conservation of fisheries and other connected purposes. It supports promotion for development of traditional and industrial fisheries, fish culture and related industries through extension service, research and surveys, infrastructure development, restocking, exploring marketing opportunities as well as enhancing community participation in fisheries management. Some of these activities like trout farming and re-stocking is currently being undertaken in rivers within Mt Kenya Forest Reserve and within the forest adjacent areas.

3.2 Links to Multilateral Environmental Agreements

Kenya has ratified the following international agreements, protocols and Conventions that impact on forestry.

3.2.1 Millennium Development Goals

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) aim at enhancing livelihood security, reducing health risk and reducing vulnerability through seven development goals. This plan addresses MDG goal no. 7 on ensuring environmental sustainability and goal no. 1 on eradicating extreme poverty and hunger through improved forest management and conservation and support to community livelihood programmes.

3.2.2 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

The Convention on Biological Diversity stipulates that it is the responsibility of national states to conserve their biological diversity and to use their biological resources in a sustainable manner. Kenya has developed a national strategy for the conservation of biological diversity and has established a system of protected areas. This plan has proposed a biodiversity that will inform the development of strategies to mitigate loss of biological diversity in the forest reserve.

3.2.3 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

The primary purpose of this Convention is to establish methods to minimize global warming and in particular the emission of green-house gases. This convention is implemented through Kyoto Protocol which requires signatories to reduce their green-house gas emission levels to 5% below 1990 levels by the year 2012. Kenya falls under Non-Annex I for developing countries who have no green-house gas emission reduction obligations but may participate in the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). Under this arrangement, Communities within the forest reserve have developed CDM Project through GBM with support from World Bank. The


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management plan addresses this convention through rehabilitation of degraded areas, which will serve as important carbon sinks to minimize green house gases in the atmosphere. The plan also targets the development of demonstration plots for Reducing Emissions through Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD).

3.2.4 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. The plan provides for protection and continuous monitoring of rare and endangered plant species within the forest reserve.

3.2.5 Convention on Wetlands

The Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty which provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. Kenya being a signatory to this convention is required to promote wise use of wetlands in and to take measures for their conservation by establishing nature reserves in wetlands. It is expected that activities in the forest reserve will strictly adhere to the Ramsar Convention’s principles of wise use of wetlands.

3.2.6 World Heritage Sites and Man and Biosphere Reserve

At 5,199 m, Mount Kenya is the second highest peak in Africa. It is an ancient extinct volcano, during whose period of activity (3.1–2.6 million years ago) it is thought to have risen to 6,500 m. There are 12 remnant glaciers on the mountain, all receding rapidly, and four secondary peaks that sit at the head of the U-shaped glacial valleys. With its rugged glacier-clad summits and forested middle slopes, Mount Kenya is one of the most impressive landscapes in East Africa. The WHS committee inscribed this property under natural criteria (vii) and (ix) as one of the most impressive landscapes of Eastern Africa with its rugged glacier-clad summits, Afro-alpine moorlands and diverse forests, which illustrate outstanding ecological processes.

3.3 Links to the country’s planning process

3.3.1 Links to Vision 2030

Vision 2030 aims at ensuring a clean, secure and sustainable environment by 2030, promote environmental conservation to better support the aspirations of the economic pillar. Under the economic pillar, tourism will be promoted through development of niche products such as eco-tourism in forest areas.

The specific strategies will involve among others, promoting environmental conservation for better support to the economic pillar flagship projects and for purposes of achieving the millennium development goals.

The specific strategies to address flagship environment projects for year 2012 include the water catchment management aimed at rehabilitating the five water towers. The flagship projects relevant to Mt Kenya Forest reserve include:-


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(a) Conservation and management of Mt. Kenya water tower for the supply of environmental goods and services to support the energy, agriculture, tourism and water sectors. It will also contribute to increased carbon sequestration to mitigate climate change.

(b) Increasing forest cover through reforestation of 9,139 hectares of degraded natural forest areas and replanting of 2,187 hectares of plantation backlogs. In addition, 1,740 hectares of wrongly sited plantation areas will be converted to indigenous forests. The plan will also target tree growing and management in the farmlands and within the forest adjacent areas.

(c) Conservation and management of approximately 80,000 hectares of bamboo for environmental conservation and promotion of bamboo cottage industry for poverty alleviation.

(d) Control of invasive species to restore degraded areas.

3.3.2 Links to KFS Strategic Plan 2009/10 – 2013/14

The Kenya Forest service has developed a strategic plan informed by the desire for application of best practices, promotion of good governance through articulation of policy goals and objectives, provision of forest Act, 2005 and other relevant laws and policies. The Strategic Plan sets out KFS vision, mission, goals and objective for the period 2009/10 – 2013/14 to ensure achievement of the forestry sector policy objectives.

The formulation of this strategic plan is also guided by the Forests Act, 2005, Vision 2030, the 1st Medium Term Plan, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Agenda 21 and Multilateral Environmental Agreements(MEAs). The development of the plan has been informed by the desire for the application of best practices in forest management, promotion of good governance through the articulation of policy goal and objectives, the provisions of the Forests Act 2005 and other relevant laws and policies. The objectives of the strategic plan and the specific strategies to address the objectives are as follows:-

(a) To intensify conservation and sustainable management of strategic forest resources for environmental protection and economic growth: This will be achieved through rehabilitation of all degraded areas in the forest reserve and promotion of community income generating activities.

(b) To maintain and enhance productivity of industrial forest plantations and increase efficiency in wood utilization for wealth and employment creation: This will be achieved through improved management of plantations and increase efficiency on utilization to maximize revenue generation.

(c) To promote forest extension on farm to increase tree cover for sustained timber, wood fuel, non-wood forest products and environmental conservation. This will be done through promotion of farm forestry and protection of catchment and riparian areas outside forest reserves.

(d) To develop and disseminate technologies in forest management, on-farm tree planting, forest utilization and forest information system. This will be done through


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research and dissemination of information on tree establishment management and utilization to improve livelihoods.

(e) To enhance revenue generation through sustainable forest based industries, ecotourism and payment for environmental services. The plan promotes adoption of integrated harvesting, improved conversion, efficiency, promotion of nature based income generating activities such as eco-tourism, carbon trade, sale of non wood forest products and payment for environmental services.

(f) To improve Institutional capacity and infrastructure through collaboration, training and development. The plan promotes the improvement of forest management infrastructure, improved information management, capacity building and skills development.

3.4 Partnership Arrangements

The Kenya Forest Service (then Forest Department) and the Kenya Wildlife Service signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for joint management of selected forests on 5th December 1991. In 1996, the KFS /KWS MoU was expanded to include National Museums of Kenya (NMK) through an addendum. The MOU has however expired and the institutions are currently collaborating through mutual understanding.

In 1986, KEFRI and KFS signed a Memorandum of Consultative Collaboration (MOCC) on research. The Nyayo Tea Zones Development Corporation (NTZDC) and Kenya Forest Service have also signed an MOU, which enjoins the two agencies to collaborate in the management of the 100 metres buffer strip established in tea growing areas. The corporation is mandated to grow tea and establish fuel wood plantations for curing their tea.


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Chapter 4

4. RATIONALE FOR MT KENYA FOREST RESERVE MANAGEMENT PLANNING

4.1 Value of the forest reserve

This planning process is driven by the desire to plan for the Mt Kenya Forest reserve due to its unique values, threats towards its conservation and the need to address various management constraints. There are also considerable environmental and economic values that support the livelihood of the communities within the forest reserve and beyond.

4.1.1 Watershed

Mt Kenya Forest Reserve plays a critical role in water catchment functions for the country and is one of the five main “water towers” in Kenya. North East to South West of the mountain is the catchment for Tana River while Western and North Western slopes form the catchment area for Ewaso Nyiro River. The Tana River basin supplies water to numerous hydro power stations as well, major irrigation schemes and for domestic users. Ewaso Nyiro transverses through the dry areas of Laikipia and Isiolo as it drain into the Lorian Swamp. The forest reserve is a ’critical watershed’ where rainfall is able to support a perennial stream flow. The ‘closed canopy’ montane forest reduces the erosive forces of intense rainfall because the foliage reduces the velocity of the raindrops. Likewise on the ground, a deep layer of organic matter creates a highly absorptive and retentive soil environment. This results in most of the rain infiltrating the soil and water is then slowly released into rivers throughout the year by soil seepage and spring lines.

4.1.2 Wood and Non Wood Forest Products

Mt. Kenya Forest Reserve provides both wood and non-wood forest products. The wood products that include posts, poles, timber and fuelwood are mainly harvested from forest plantations. These products support a wood industry important not only to the local community but also to national economy. The natural forest has potential to supply timber and wood products, but there is need to undertake natural resource assessment in order to establish annual allowable cut. In addition, the forest reserve is of valuable importance to the local communities in terms of tangible and intangible values associated with non-wood forest products, traditional foods, medicines, grass and other minor forest products. The Forest Reserve offers diverse resources for consumptive use, and local people are allowed to access these products through permit and licensing system. The common forest products and services accessed by the local communities include firewood, livestock grazing, and collection of herbs for medicinal use, water abstraction, fish farming and beekeeping. The forest adjacent communities are benefiting from the


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increased agricultural produce by participating in Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS) in stations where the system is suitable.

4.1.3 Biodiversity reservoir

Mt Kenya Forest Reserve has rich biological diversity in terms of both plant and animal species. Some 880 plant species belonging to 479 genera in 146 families have been recorded in the ecosystem. There are at least 11 endemic species of higher plants and more than 150 species that are near endemic. The most common tree species include the Camphor, Cedar, Podos, Meru oak and Olea plant species. Vegetation zones and plant species distribution are distinguished according to the different climatic zones and altitudes, most obviously through variation in vegetation structure, cover and composition. Six rare and threatened species of mammals of international conservation interest which include the African elephants, black fronted duiker, bongo, Giant forest hog and the leopard are found in this ecosystem. The ecosystem is also home to many other forest antelopes and carnivores which include the leopard, hyena among others. The Reserve is recognized as an Important Birds Area (IBA) with 53 bird species having been recorded.

4.1.4 Tourism

Mt Kenya ecosystem has attractive sceneries and great potential for tourism development, which is yet to be fully harnessed. The ecosystem is endowed with unique geomorphologic features, cultural and historical sites that are of great tourism attraction. In addition to this there are wildlife populations of elephants, buffalos, reptiles and birds, which attract visitors. Mt Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa and offers challenges to mountain climbers. It is the only mountain in the world on the equator with snowcap throughout the year. Private eco-tourism firms offer alternative recreational tourism and have built strong collaboration with the National Park to promote tourism in the region by offering a diversity of activities such as bird watching, trout fishing, walking and wilderness trails. Over 1,000 people earn occasional employment as porters and guides while the running of hotels around the ecosystem promotes employment both directly and indirectly through the follow on demand for goods and services. However the tourism potential of the Forest reserve has not been fully exploited.

4.1.5 Cultural

The mountain ecosystem is a valuable heritage to the people living within its vicinity. It’s not merely a beautiful scenic site but an important reminder of their evolution history. Culturally the mountain is perceived as a holy place where believers go to perform traditional and religious rituals and ceremonies. During the Second World War and the struggle for independence of this country, the mountain was used as a hideout for runaway prisoners and a sanctuary for the Mau Mau freedom fighters. Further, the name of our country is also derived from the mountain therefore spreading the cultural importance countrywide. It has also been recognized internationally having been declared a world heritage site in 1997.


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4.1.6 Research and Education values

Research and education are essential for forestry development in Mt Kenya Forest Reserve. There are various research activities which focus on long-term research and monitoring efforts in the ecosystem. The Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) has established trial plots, permanent sample plots (PSP) and seed stands in the Reserve for research purposes and provision of seeds respectively. On the other hand, KWS has been undertaking monitoring of wildlife species while the Mt. Kenya East Pilot Project (MKEPP) has supported integrated research on watershed functions. Other activities include research on forest adjacent farms on food and fodder crops by KARI, monitoring of bird species by Nature Kenya. Some of the stakeholders involved in education in the ecosystem include William Holden, the School of adventure in Marania and Centre for training and Development (CETRAD). These institutions generate valuable information on conservation, management and development issues. Students from various institutions of higher learning both locally and internationally use both the forest and nature reserves for education and to generate information for academic prowess.

4.1.7 Climate Amelioration

Owing to its variation in altitude, aspect and vegetation cover, the ecosystem influences the atmospheric temperatures that subsequently regulate the micro-climate. Forests form major carbon sinks by their ability to sequestrate atmospheric Carbon dioxide (CO2) that they use in photosynthesis with resultant production of Carbon that is locked up in tree biomass.

4.2 Threats to forest conservation

The following are priority threats resulting either directly or indirectly from human activities, which have the potential to destroy, degrade or impair conservation targets during the lifespan of the Mt Kenya Forest Reserve Management plan:-

4.2.1 Illegal Logging

Since the early 1970s, the indigenous forests have been degraded due to illegal logging of important timber trees, which has greatly reduced plant populations, and the regenerative capacity of such tree species. Some of the most targeted tree species are African Pencil Cedar (Juniperus procera), Wild olive (Olea europaea), East African Rosewood (Hagenia abyssinica), East African Camphor wood (Ocotea usambarensis), Newtonia buchananii, East African Yellow-wood (Podocarpus spp), Olea capensis and Meru Oak (Vitex keniensis). In 1999, the government slapped a ban on forest exploitation in the country including Mt Kenya Forest Reserve. Cases of illegal harvesting of indigenous trees however continued being reported especially on the south eastern parts of the forest reserve. This illegal logging has led to reduction in forest biodiversity.


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4.2.2 Charcoal Production

Communities living adjacent to the Forest Reserve have over the time contributed to the degradation of the Reserve through illegal charcoal production. This practice was prevalent in the lower parts of the forest reserve with the highest concentration reported in Thegu, Imenti, Burguret, Naro Moru, Ragati and Chehe areas. Nevertheless, charcoal production sites decreased by 62 percent, from 547 kilns counted in 1999 to 205 kilns counted in the same area in 2002. With the reforms in the forestry sector and the establishment of Kenya Forest Service coupled with improved surveillance, this trend has declined and currently only a few cases are reported. However, appropriate measures need to be put place to safeguard Thegu and Imenti forest blocks, where the reported cases of illegal charcoal production are still high especially close to the forest reserve boundary.

4.2.3 Over-Grazing

Livestock and wildlife grazing patterns are not linked to the carrying capacity of the forage resources. This is compounded by inadequate information on determination of carrying capacity. During the prolonged dry spells, the reserve has experienced a huge influx of livestock from the neighboring pastoral communities thereby over stretching the available resources. The large numbers of livestock have contributed to the degradation of the ecosystem.

4.2.4 Forest Fires

Un-prescribed or wild fires alter structural and species diversity including proliferation of invasive species. Effective fire management is constrained by inadequate fire preparedness (lack of adequate facilities, inadequate trained personnel) and improper enforcement of relevant sections of existing laws.

The fire prone areas stretch in an arc across the lower western forests to the North eastern moorlands in Gathiuru, Nanyuki, Ontulili, Marania, Mucheene and Meru forest stations in the dry seasons of January to March and June to September. Analysis of fire incidences from 1990 to 2003 indicates that high fire seasons prevail from January to March at 46% and September at 23%. Most fires are caused through arson and honey gathering. Other causes that have been recorded are lightning, grazers, shamba clearing, cigarette butts and charcoal production.

4.2.5 Invasive Species

Some degraded sites in Mt Kenya Forest Reserve have been overrun by invasive plant species; key of which include Caesalpinia decapelata (Mauritius thorn), Datura dothistroma (Jimsonweed), Solanum incanum (Sodom’s apple), Curse of India (Lantana camara) and Resinus communis (castor plant). Fraxinus pennysilvania (Mexican Green Ash) displays opportunistic characteristics by naturally spreading their cover beyond the firebreaks they were initially designated for. Invasive plants are perceived to inhibit recovery of degraded or backlog forest sites. Areas affected are exotic plantation backlogs and indigenous forest sites namely Kangaita, Irangi, Chuka, Chogoria , Meru and Mucheene forests.


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4.2.6 Pests and Diseases

Insect pests namely pine woolly aphid and the cypress aphid (Cinera cupressi) have in the past been a problem to exotic plantations, particularly Pinus patula and Cupressus lusitanica. Other pests e.g. rats are a menace to young tree seedlings.

4.2.7 Excisions and Encroachment

The Mt Kenya forest has been subject to excisions totaling to 6,360.5 ha since 1963. However, some of the proposed excisions remain unresolved. An area approximately 26 ha is also encroached in Thunguru hill in Ruthumbi forest station.

4.2.8 Illegal Water Abstraction

Unregulated water use for both commercial and subsistence agricultural activities has reduced reliability of downstream water supply, impacted on riparian environments and decreased water quality. Permits for the use of water are approved on the basis of a number of conditions including the availability of water and the construction of 90 day storage for water to capture the flood flow water to use for irrigation. There is a tendency to locate water intakes close to the river sources.

4.2.9 Game Damage and Human Wildlife conflict

The close proximity of human settlements to Mount Kenya ecosystem results to continuous animal raids in surrounding farmlands. Animals raid croplands, causing loss of produce, damage infrastructure and injure or cause death to people and even livestock. Elephants cause the most damage although buffaloes, primates, birds and wild pigs also contribute to crop damage. Elephants and buffaloes also destroy Pine, Cypress and Eucalyptus plantations through debarking, uprooting and trampling. The damage is mostly experienced in Gathiuru, Nanyuki, Kabaru, Hombe, Naromoru, Ontulili and Mucheene forest stations. There are an estimated 18,000 hectares of plantations, which are valued at approximately Ksh. 18 billion.

Kenya Forest Service and other stakeholders have also invested heavily in the Forest Reserve in terms of other physical infrastructure (station offices, forest guard posts, eco-tourism, communication and water abstraction facilities) that should be protected from destruction by wild animals.

The Memorandum of Understanding between Kenya Forest Service and Kenya Wildlife Service recognizes the importance of controlling damage to agricultural crops and forest plantation by wildlife through construction of barriers. The MOU apportions the responsibility of managing wildlife in and around forest areas to Kenya Wildlife Service while Kenya Forest Service is responsible for managing the forest estate to achieve the production and/or protection function in and around forests, including traditional use of forest resources by rural communities.

One of the secondary objectives of the MOU is to minimize threat to human life and minimize damage to forest plantations, agricultural crops, livestock and property. This objective is addressed through erecting wildlife barriers where this is


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economically or socially justified, following necessary research in fence alignment, fence designs and agreement on maintenance and engaging in joint management actions that will prevent damage to forest plantations.

Kenya Forest Service has over the years protected forest plantations from destruction by big animals such as elephants and buffaloes through game moats. Most of the game moats are in a state of disuse due to lack of funds for maintenance. Currently there are efforts to address game damage and human/wildlife conflict through erection of electric fences that are generally aligned between the indigenous forest and plantations. The existing electric fences include the Hombe – Ragati fence (14 km), Naromoru – Gathiuru fence (14 km) and Karandi – Nyana Hill fence in Hombe (10 km). There is an on-going 75 km fence being constructed from Nanyuki to Kabaru forest stations through the support of the Arid Lands Development Support project. Another 50 km of electric fence are expected to be constructed in Nyeri, Kirinyaga and Meru Central forest zones through the support of Mt. Kenya East Pilot Project.

4.3 Constraints to Forest Reserve Conservation

The conservation of Mt. Kenya Forest Reserve is hampered by the following factors:-

(a) Management constraints

Inadequate technical capacity

Low staff morale due to poor remuneration and lack of staff welfare program

Lack of updated information

(b) Resource constraints

Inadequate forest management personnel

Inadequate budgetary provision resulting in poor infrastructure, inadequate equipment and under funding of activities

Undervaluation of forest contribution to GDP resulting low budgetary allocation

(c) External interference

Forest exploitation ban negatively impacting silvicultural activities

Uncoordinated stakeholders participation

(d) Inadequate community support

Lack of awareness of importance of PFM

Lack of clear guidelines on cost and benefit sharing under PFM

(e) Poor utilization of forest produce

Inefficient technology

Inadequate skills


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4.4 Problem analysis

Considerable resources and efforts have been invested in improving the management of the protected areas of Mt Kenya ecosystem in the past years. Although some successes have been achieved, tremendous threats and pressures on the ecosystem remain. The main source of this pressure arises from the depletion of resources and degradation of the forest reserve. The major threats and pressures facing the reserve are as follows:

(a) Excisions of Forest Reserve and its conversion from forest to agricultural uses to satisfy land use demands for increasing populations. Such de-gazettement has often been highly political in nature;

(b) Encroachment for human settlements due to population pressure;

(c) Unsustainable resource use within the forest reserves for both commercial and subsistence use;

(d) Illegal logging;

(e) Wildfires occur during the dry spell in the forests, grasslands and adjacent farmlands, thus changing the vegetation structure and composition in the affected areas and having adverse impacts on the habitat values and water regulation functions;

(f) Conflicting institutional mandates on management of natural resources;

(g) Inadequate stakeholders’ involvement in forest resource management;

(h) The ban on forest harvesting has constrained silvicultural operations and forest management; and

(i) Human/wildlife conflict and game damage on forest plantations.

4.5 Forest Reserve Management and Utilization Zonation

There are 21 forest stations in Mt. Kenya Forest Reserve which are managed by foresters under overall administration by Zonal Forest Managers. KFS management and utilization zonation is currently based on vegetation types namely plantation, indigenous, bamboo, bushland grassland and moorland. The vegetation type dictated the type of management and conservation interventions put in place.

The plan has categorized the forest area inside the forest reserve into three major zones namely natural forest, plantation forest and Nyayo tea belt. The zones are further subdivided into four sub-zones based on management options. As shown in the table below, the plan has also included the community intervention zone to address the activities being undertaken in the farmlands within 5 kilometres from the forest reserve boundary.


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Table 4: Mt Kenya Forest Reserve zones and sub-zones

Zone Sub zone Criteria Management objective Natural forest Protected areas -Nature reserves

-Biodiversity hot spots -Wetlands -Moorland

-Protect the ecological integrity of the protected areas -Preservation of the water catchment function -Ecological research and education

Conservation Natural forest, bamboo and glades not zoned as protected area

-restoration of degraded forest areas -Preservation of the water catchment function -Development of ecotourism & -Nature based enterprise -Controlled utilization of wood and NWFP -PFM activities -Ecological research and education

Plantation Plantation All areas designated for commercial forest production

-Commercial production and extraction of wood and NWFP -PFM -Commercial forest management Research

Nyayo Tea Belt

Tea zone 100 metres belt in tea growing areas

-Commercial tea growing -Fuel wood plantations for internal consumption

Community intervention zone

Intervention zone

Farmlands within 5km from Forest Reserve boundary.

-Promote on-farm tree growing -Promote income generating activities -Support community institutions in forestry programmes -Protection of riparian belt and hilltop afforestation


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Figure 4: Proposed Zonation of Mt Kenya Ecosystem

4.6 Management objectives

In order to attain the plan purpose and contribute to the overall goal, the following management objectives are envisaged:-

(a) To conserve and protect the biological diversity, ecological services and productivity of the natural forest;

(b) To ensure adequate and safe water supply for sustainable development;

(c) To promote sustainable tourism for economic development;

(d) To maintain and enhance productivity of industrial forest plantations and increase efficiency in wood utilization for wealth and employment creation;

(e) To ensure that the Forest Reserve is secure for forest operations and ecotourism;

(f) To promote community participation in natural resource management for improved livelihood;

(g) To improve and increase capacity of forest management and utilization infrastructure and capacity building; and


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(h) To obtain relevant and timely information on the status of the biodiversity and other parameters and their threats to guide management decisions.


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Chapter 5 5. MANAGEMENT PROGRAMMES

5.1 Natural Forest Management Programme

5.1.1 Background

Mt Kenya Forest Reserve plays a critical role in water catchment functions for the country and is one of the five main “water towers” in Kenya. The North East to South West of the mountain is the catchment for Tana River while Western and North Western slopes form the catchment area for Ewaso Nyiro River. The Forest Reserve is one of the most important national assets for economic, environmental, socio and cultural values. It provides utility products such as timber, fuelwood, and a wide variety of NWFP. The reserve is a source of major rivers in the country which provides water for hydroelectric power generation, irrigation schemes that are important for agricultural sector development and water for both domestic and industrial use. The reserve is also important for conservation of biological diversity, carbon sequestration and is a major habitat for wildlife which promotes tourism.

The natural forest which covers an area of approximately 243,494.9 ha has mainly been managed for conservation with limited exploitation of NWFP in last two decades. Before mid 1980’s extraction of wood was practiced until the imposition of Presidential ban on harvesting of indigenous wood in all natural forests in Kenya due to illegal practices. The management of this reserve has been a challenge due to inadequate financial and human resources and institutional weakness. However, the trend of forest degradation has recently reduced with the establishment of KFS and increased funding.

5.1.2 Challenges

The main challenges of the programme is to find ways to balance the extractive uses with the need to conserve the resources for other non-extractive benefits such as conservation of biodiversity, soil and water conservation, ecotourism and carbon sequestration.

5.1.3 Management objectives

(a) Enhance management of closed canopy forest for continued supply of forests goods and services;

(b) Rehabilitate all degraded sites in natural forest areas to restore ecological integrity;

(c) Promote sustainable utilization of resources within the natural forest for socio economic development;

(d) Promote conservation of plant species of special concern;

(e) Assessment and valuation of forest resources to inform decision making; and

(f) Enhance protection of the natural forest areas for health and vitality.

5.1.4 Management action

The table below provides the summary of management actions required to implement each of the management objectives.


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Table 5: Summary of management actions for Natural Forest Programme

Management objective and Action unit 10yr targets

Means of verification

budget

Time frame (yrs)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Enhance management of closed canopy forest Protection of existing closed canopy forest ha reports

Rehabilitation all degraded sites in natural forest areas

Develop a restoration plan No. 2 Report x x

Seedlings production (million) No. 9 Report 1.6 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.4 1.1 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.24

Reforestation (‘000) Ha 2.2 Report 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.2

Enrichment planting 6.939 Report 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.9 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1

Protection for natural regeneration Ha Report

Management of invasive spp Ha 200 Report 50 50 50 50

Reversion of zoned out plantation areas to indigenous forest

Ha 1740 Report 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 200 140

Promote sustainable utilization of resources within the natural forest

Conduct study of NWFP products range No 1 Report 1

Promote Nature based enterprises No. 60 Reports 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

PES study No. 1 Report 1

Establish REDD+ demonstration projects No. 2 Report 2

Promote conservation of plant species of special concern

Identify and map endangered, endemic, rare and threatened species

No. 1 Report/map 1

Develop and implement mgmt plan for spp of species of special concern

No. 1 Plan 1

Assessment and valuation of forest resources


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Management objective and Action unit 10yr targets


budget

Time frame (yrs)

Natural resource assessment and mapping No. 1 Report/map 1

Total economic valuation No. 1 Report 1

Certification of forests No. 1 Certificate 1

Management and sales inventory ls x x x x x x x x x X

Enhance protection of the natural forest areas

Fire management (‘000) Ha 105,000 Report x x x x x x x x x X

Pest and diseases monitoring No. 50 Report 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Enforcement operations No. 200 Report 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20

Livestock carrying capacity study No 1 Report 1

Study on control of invasive spp No. 1 Report 1


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5.2 Bamboo Development and Management programme

5.2.1 Background

Bamboo in Mt Kenya’s Forest Reserve covers approximately 40,000 ha as pure stand or mixed with indigenous trees. The dominant Bamboo species growing in the reserve is Arudinaria alpina while sambucus Africana grows on openings during transition phase of collapsed bamboo stems. Prior to the ban on exploitation of indigenous tree in mid 1980s, Bamboo stems were exploited for domestic uses mainly as fence and construction. Currently there high demand for bamboo stems in the floriculture and cottage industry due to technology transfer from China and Far East Countries where it is managed as a commercial species. Bamboo dries off after it attains it biological age leading to accumulation of dry material a recipe for forest fires. Due to its high rate of regeneration the controlled exploitation of bamboo has no negative impact on catchment value of the forest.

5.2.2 Management challenges

(a) There are no management plans for bamboo.

(b) The ban of exploitation of indigenous tree species.

(c) Management of forest fires in bamboo zone due to accumulation of dry bamboo material.


(a) Develop bamboo management development plan.

(b) Promote the management of bamboo within the forest reserve and farmlands.

(c) Promote sustainable utilization of bamboo resources and value addition.

5.2.4 Management Actions



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Table 6: Summary of bamboo development actions

Management objective

Action Unit

10 yr targets


budget

Time frame (yrs)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Develop bamboo management plans

Management inventory & mapping

No 2 reports 10M 1 1

Bamboo development plans No 2 Plan 4M 1 1

Harvesting plans No 10 Plan 2M x x x x x x x x x x

Promote the management of bamboo

Propagation of bamboo (‘000,000’)

No 30 Reports 150M

x x x x x x x x x x

Establish commercial bamboo plantations

Ha 10000 Comp registers

400M

1000 1000

1000

1000

1000

1000

1000

1000

1000

1000

Promote on farm bamboo growing

Ha 5000 Reports 200M

500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500

Promote bamboo growing along riparian areas

Ha 2000 Reports 80M 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400 400

Introduce suitable bamboo species

No 5 Reports 10M 1 1 1 1 1

Promote sustainable utilization of bamboo resources within the forest reserve and farmlands

Conduct study of bamboo products range

Study

5 Reports 2.5M 2 2 1

Promote bamboo based enterprises and value addition

No 100 Reports 10M x x x x x x x x x x

Establish REDD+ demonstration projects

No 10 Reports x x x x x x x x x x

Promote the use of bamboo products in place of wood

No 100 Reports 15M x x x x x x x x x x

Promote the use of bamboo shoots for dietary purposes

No Reports 3M x x x x x x x x x x


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5.3 Plantation Development Programme

5.3.1 Back ground

The establishment of forest plantations in Mt Kenya Forest Reserve started in early 1920s with conversion of indigenous forest into fast growing exotic species to meet an increasing demand in wood based products in the country. Later plantations of selected indigenous tree species namely Vitex keniensis and juniperous procera were established. These plantations were established through the Shamba system using the resident labour. In 1987 the system was banned due to abuse and all resident laborers evicted from the forests. The absence of resident labour coupled with inadequate allocation of resources led to accumulation of planting and silvicultural backlogs. The System was re-introduced in 1994 on pilot basis as non-resident cultivation which has transformed to the current Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS) which is being implemented in various forest stations.

Within the Mt Kenya Forest Reserve, there are 18,994 ha of forest plantations in 16 Forest Stations. The area of wrongly sited plantations within water catchment areas that have been zoned out to revert to indigenous forest amount to 1,739 ha.


The major challenges of forest plantation management faced include:

(a) Wildlife damage

(b) Poor infrastructure

(c) Ban on exploitation

(d) Inefficient conversion

(e) Poor pricing

(f) Planting and silvicultural backlogs

(g) Forest fires, Pests and diseases

(h) Illegal harvesting

5.3.3 Management Objectives

(a) Improved plantation establishment and maintenance for sustainable, high quality supply of wood and wood products

(b) Develop Forest Station level operational Plantation management plan to guide sustainable management

(c) Promote efficient Utilization of wood and non wood forest products to maximize returns on investments

(d) Promote Forest plantation protection




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Table 7: Summary of Plantations management actions

Management Objectives

unit 10yr targets


budget Time frame (yrs) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Improved plantation establishment and maintenance for sustainable, high quality supply of wood and wood products Seedling production (millions)

Nos 14.4 Reports 3.2 3.2 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0

Tree planting (‘000) Ha 7.2 Reports 1.6 1.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5

Broaden plantation species Nos 10 Compnt reg. 6 6 7 8 9 10 10 10 10 10

Enhance seed stand management

Nos xx Reports

Pruning Ha Report

Thinning Ha Report

Coppice reduction Ha Report

Respacing Ha Report

Weeding (‘000) Ha 7.2 Report 1.6 1.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5

Determination of site indices No. Report

Management inventory No. 2 Report 1 1

Plantation management plan Plantation development plans

No. 36 Mgmt plan doc 18

Annual work plan No. 180 Work plans 18 18 18 18 18

Harvesting plans No. 36 Plan doc 18

Fire management plan No. 18 Fire plan 18

Action

Utilization of forest plantations

Sales inventory M3 5 Report

Capacity building No. 20 Report 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Marketing survey No. 10 Report 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Tree growing cost study No. 10 report 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Revenue collection (Billion) Ksh 5.6 Report 0.56 0.56 0.56 0.56 0.56 0.56 0.56 0.56 0.56 0.56

Forest plantation protection

Fire management (‘000) Ha 20 Report


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unit 10yr targets


budget Time frame (yrs) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Pest and diseases monitoring No. 10 Report 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Enforcement operations No. 720 Report 72 72 72 72 72 72 72 72 72 72

Game control - fence Km 225 Report 75 150

Livestock carrying capacity study

No 1 Report 1

Study on control of invasive spp

No. 1 Report 1


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5.4 Watershed Management Programme

5.4.1 Back ground

The Mt Kenya Watershed contributes water to both Rivers Ewaso Ngiro and Tana which are the bases of Ewaso Ngiro North and Tana catchment regions respectively. The main uses of water within the catchments are domestic, irrigation, Hydro Power generation, industrial, fisheries, recreation and ecological services. Water use is monitored and regulated through measuring and control devices and enforcement of water rules by the WRMA through WRUAs in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders. Over 300 registered water abstraction intakes occur in the Mt Kenya FR. These are supposed to benefit a quarter million people.

The role of KFS regarding water resource management within the Forest Reserve (FR) relates to the protection of watershed area and controlling access to the river resources through the provision of way leaves for water infrastructure development.


Issues prevail in this sector within the Mt Kenya Forest Reserve include:-

(a) Inadequate flow of water in most rivers especially in the Western and Northern side due to insufficient rainfall and degradation of water catchment areas.

(b) Flash floods and poor infiltration to recharge underground water resource base.

(c) Unregulated use of water due to inadequate compliance to installation of measuring and control devices and inadequate monitoring.

(d) Siltation as a result of erosion caused by poor farming and conservation practices along the catchment areas.

(e) Pollution of water sources caused by solid disposal from urban areas and linen washing.

(f) Some of the River Gauging Stations (RGSs) in place are either broken down or are not operational due to dilapidation, vandalism or lack of gauge readers.

(g) Inadequate information on status of wetlands in the ecosystem.

(h) Inconsistency in ownership status vis a vis rights of use.

(i) Conduct an Inventory of all wetlands and peat lands.

(j) Degradation of wetlands.

5.4.3 Management objective

(a) Rehabilitation, protection and conservation of catchment and riparian areas

(b) Protection of water resources against pollution

(c) Establishment of surface water monitoring network.




43

Table 8: Summary of Watershed Management Actions

Management objectives unit 10 yr targets


budget Time frame (yrs)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Objective 1. Rehabilitation, protection and conservation of catchment and riparian areas

Inventory and mapping of wetlands and springs No. 1 Report/map 1

Rehabilitation of degraded wetlands and springs No. 10 Report 5 5

Awareness creation on Soil &Water cons on farmlands No. 100 Reports 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

Conservation of riparian areas within the forest reserve No. 50 Reports 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Rehabilitation of quarries No. 10 Reports 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Objective 1.2 Protection of water resources against pollution

Prevent damping of waste in catchment areas ls 5 Reports x x x x x x x x x x

Prevent overgrazing along riparian areas ls 5 Reports x x x x x x x x x x

Promote tree planting along riparian areas Ha 50 Reports 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Objective 1.3 Establishment of surface water monitoring network

Establish surface water monitoring stations No. 20 Reports 4 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2


44

5.5 Tourism Development Programme

5.5.1 Background

Mt Kenya has attractive sceneries and great potential for tourism development, which is yet to be fully harnessed. The ecosystem is endowed with unique geomorphologic features, cultural and historical sites that are of great tourism attraction. In addition to this there are wildlife populations of elephants, buffalos, reptiles and birds, which attract visitors. Mt Kenya is the second highest mountain in Africa and offers challenges to mountain climbers. It is the only mountain in the world on the equator with snowcap throughout the year. Private eco-tourism firms offer alternative recreational tourism. The Kenya Forest Service has identified ecotourism as a major enterprise development activity. In view of the same it is in the process of developing ecotourism master plan which will guide future investments in this sector. KFS has also identified potential ecotourism sites within the Forest Reserve. The main tourist attractions in Mt Kenya are mountaineering, scenic physical features and wildlife (mammals and birds). The sites identified for tourism activities include:

5.5.2 Management Challenges

Challenges facing tourism in the ecosystem include (a) Narrow range of visitor activities, (b) Poor infrastructure hence underutilization of some sites, (c) Uncontrolled entry into the forest reserve and inequitable benefit sharing

among stakeholders. (d) Lack of a tourism development plan for Mt Kenya to guide tourism.


(a) Enhance the development of Tourism products

(b) Develop and improve tourism infrastructure

(c) Develop marketing strategy and information products

(d) Provide adequate security to within the FR to ensure safety of all visitors

(e) Refurbish and promote existing tourism facilities




45

Table 9: Summary of Tourism management actions and lead implementing agencies

Management ,Objectives unit 10 yr

targets

Means of

verification

budget

kshs

Time frame (yrs)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Enhance the development of Tourism products

Develop tourism master plan for MKFR

No 1 Plan x x

Inventory of MKFR tourism products(services, facilities)

No 2 1 1

Develop visitor use zonation No 1 Map x x

Capacity building No 20 Reports 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Develop code of conduct for responsible tourism

No 1 Report x x

Mobilize resources for tourism development

Ksh Report x x x x x x x x x x

Promote public private partnerships( license)

No 42 Licenses 22 20

Collaborate with key stakeholders (MOUs)

No 10 Reports 4 3 3

Promote community participation (license)

No 42 Licenses 22 20

Monitoring of tourism activities No 10 Report 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Develop and improve tourism infrastructure

Establish tourism infrastructure plan for MKFR

No 1 Plan x x


46


targets

Means of

verification

budget

kshs

Time frame (yrs)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Develop ICT system to promote MKFR tourism

No 1 Report x x

Maintain infrastructure for existing tourism facilities (roads)

Km 70 Report 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70

Develop infrastructure for proposed tourism sites

Km 200 Report 100 50 30 20

Develop marketing strategy and information products

Develop tourism marketing strategy

No 2 Report 1 1

Design & produce tourism IEC material

package 1 Report .05 1

Local & regional networks No 10 Report 6 1 1 1 1

Provide adequate security to within the FR to ensure safety of all visitors

Develop & implement visitor security plan

No 1 plan 1

Collaborate with other security agencies

Lps Reports x x x x x x x x x x

Collaborate with communities & other stakeholders

Lps Reports x x x x x x x x x x

Refurbish and promote existing tourism facilities

Renegotiate the licenses No 3 Licenses 0.3M 3


47


targets

Means of

verification

budget

kshs

Time frame (yrs)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

ISO certification No 3 Certificates 0.5M x x

Promotion of the facilities No 10 Reports 5M x x x x x x x x x x


48

5.6 Farm Forestry Development Programme

5.6.1 Background

This is an Agro-forestry intervention that aims at meeting the general requirements of households in terms of fuel wood, poles and timber by promoting tree planting on individual farmer’s farms. This intervention reduces the pressure on gazetted forests exerting demand for forest products by local communities thus reducing their reliance from the state forests. The plan proposes to promote farm forestry for commercial and domestic use. The areas adjacent to the FR are primarily cash crop growing areas on the eastern side mainly characterized by tea and coffee growing and food crop growing on the western side. Generally in all the area around the FR, tree growing within the farms has been adopted vigorously.

5.6.2 Challenges

(a) Use of low quality planting materials (b) Inadequate forest extension infrastructure (c) Inadequate information and resource for development of alternative

livelihood projects (d) Lack of skills for value addition and marketing of forest products (e) Weak extension linkages

5.6.3 Objectives

(a) Promote tree planting within the farms and adjacent areas to increase tree

cover

(b) Increase household income from tree products

(c) Promote adoption of efficient energy technologies

(d) Undertake farm forestry resource assessment

(e) Enhance farmers capacity on tree growing

(f) Promote development of forest based community action plans




49

Table 10: Farm Forestry Development Programme


unit 10 yr

targets

Means of

verification


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Promote tree planting within the farms and adjacent areas to increase tree cover

Promote 10% tree planting on farmlands

Ha (0000 20 Reports 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Promote hilltop afforestation Ha 300 Reports 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30

Rehabilitate water catchments/ wetlands

Ha (00) 15 Reports 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5

Promote tree planting on roadsides & urban areas

No of

seedlings

(000)

20 Reports 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Promote tree planting in schools & other public/private institutions

Nos (000) 50 Reports 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Promote registration of private forests

No 50 Reports 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Increase household income from tree products

Promote use of Improved certified planting germplasm for short rotation tree crops

No of

seedlings

300 Reports 30 30 30 30 30 30

Promote commercial tree farming Ha 5000 Reports 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50

Promote commercial seedlings production

No (000,000) 26.8 Reports 2.68 2.68 2.68 2.68 2.68 2.68 2.68 2.68 2.68 2.68

Create networks between tree growers, markets and financial institutions.

No 4 Reports 2.2 1 1 1 1


50


unit 10 yr

targets

Means of

verification


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Promote nature based IGAs No 200 Licenses and

business

plans

10 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20

Improve conversion and processing of forest products

No 100 Records 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

Value addition ????

Provide information Centers No 20 Plans and

records

10 10

Promote adoption of efficient energy technologies

Promote use of efficient energy saving appliances

Households 2000 Reports 20 20 20 20 20 20

Promote use of alternative energy sources

Households 2000 Reports 20 20 20 20 20

Promote efficient charcoal production technology

No 100 Reports 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

Undertake farm forestry resource assessment Conduct farm forestry resource

assessment

No 4 Reports 2 2

Enhance farmers capacity on tree growing Training farmers on tree

growing and management

No (00) 50 reports 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Stakeholders forum No 4 report 4 2 2


51


unit 10 yr

targets

Means of

verification


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Collect revenue from licensing of movement of forest products.

Kshs000,000 20 Reports 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Promote development of forest based community action plan

Develop community action plans

No 100 Reports 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

Implement CAPs No 100 Reports 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10


52

5.7 Community Participation Programme

5.7.1 Background

The Mt Kenya FR contains several resources that are of benefit to local communities and the country at large. These resources are in terms of fauna, flora, soil, water and their ecological functions. Communities extract a variety of resources from the FR including firewood, building materials, medicinal plants, fish, water, honey and fodder for livestock. All these entail conservation measures to be put in place by the government in collaboration with stakeholders for posterity. The main conservation initiatives envisaged include: wildlife, biodiversity, soil and water conservation which cannot be realized by government and NGO,s working within the ecosystem, without the involvement of the local communities since they are the direct beneficiaries. However elaborate participatory engagement with communities should be put in place to address differential interpretation and enforcement of regulations, lack of well established community structures and put in place cost and benefit sharing mechanisms.

5.7.2 Management Challenges

(a) Mechanisms and practice of community empowerment in the FR is inadequate (Strengthening the CFAs).

(b) Although the legal framework exists it is not properly enforced.

(c) Cost and benefit sharing mechanism is lacking.

(d) Awareness in conservation within the community is low.

(e) Conflict resolution mechanisms is lacking.


(a) Promote community nature based enterprises for livelihood improvement

(b) Promote community participation in forest management

(c) Develop capacity for CFAs engagement and cost-benefit sharing




53

Table 11: Community Participation Programme

Management Objective

unit 10 yr targets



1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Promote community nature based enterprises for livelihood improvement

Promote commercial tree nurseries No. 21 Report 6 9 6

Awareness creation on Cost/ benefit sharing mechanism

No. 21 Report 6 9 6

Promote NWFP industries No. 21 Report 6 9 6

Awareness creation on ecotourism opportunities No. 21 Report 6 9 6

Promote community participation in forest management

Develop PFMPs No. 16 Plans 6 5 5

Implement PELIS No. 18 Report x x x x x x x x x x

Promote community policing and fire control No. 21 Report x x x x x x x x x x

Promote community involvement in maintenance of forest plantations

No. 18 Report x x x x x x x x x x

Involve communities in forest rehabilitation No. 21 Report x x x x x x x x x x

Develop capacity for CFAs engagement and cost-benefit sharing

Education and exchange tours No. 21 Report x x x x x x x x x x

Governance and conflict resolution No. 21 Report x x x x x x x x x x

Training community scouts on policing and fire control

No. 21 Report x x x x x x x x x x

Establish resource centres No. 5 Report 1 1 1 1 1


54

5.8 Protection and Security Programme

5.8.1 Background

Security is an important service for development of all the programmes proposed in this management plan and for the overall resource management.

5.8.2 Security challenges

Boundary encroachment, illegal water abstractions, marijuana cultivation, accidental forest fires, poaching of wild animals, illegal logging, visitor insecurity and other forms of illegal activities have been major security challenges in the ecosystem. The capacity of Forest guards, in terms of personnel, equipment, communication and surveillance remains inadequate in all forest stations.

5.8.3 Management Objective

(a) Secure forest boundaries

(b) Promote participatory forest policing

(c) Ensure efficient forest health monitoring and reporting system

(d) Provide Wildlife barriers to protect forest plantations

(e) Enhance liaison with other security forces to improve enforcement

(f) Enforce Rules, Regulations and Orders,

(g) Provide security for ecotourism activities and investments




55

Table 12: Protection Security Programme

Management Objectives unit 10 yr targets



1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Secure forest boundaries

Surveillance and patrol of

forest boundaries

Km 400 Reports 4M x x x x x x x x x x

Intelligence information gathering

No 40 Reports 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

Strengthen security

capacity

No 2 Plan 1 2

Repossess illegally and

irregularly acquired

forest land

Ha 90 Reports 0.2M X X X

Boundary alignment and

mapping

Km 400 Reports and maps

4M x x x x x x x x x x

Enhance security of

visitors, workers and

revenues

Management and

security of entry gates

into the Forest reserve

Man-days

638750 Records 320M x x x x x x x x x x

Promote participatory forest policing


56

Management Objectives unit 10 yr targets



1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Promote community

policing

Man days

114400 Records 34,32M x x x x x x x x x x

Develop community

intelligence system

No 2 System 2M 1 1

Ensure efficient forest health monitoring and reporting system

Develop and implement a monitoring system

No 2 System and reports

3M 1 1

Develop a fire plan No 2 Plans 1.0M 1 1

Provide Wildlife barriers to protect forest plantations

Undertake surveillance Man-days

41600 Reports 20,8M 4160 4160 4160 4160 4160 4160 4160 4160 4160 4160

Fire surveillance Man days

41600 Reports 20,8M 4160 4160 4160 4160 4160 4160 4160 4160 4160 4160

Fire breaks Km ???

Liaison with other security forces to improve enforcement

Liaison meetings No 40 Minutes 0.4M x X x x x x x x x x

Enforce Rules, Regulations and Orders,

Enforcement No 22 Inspection reports

4.4M x x x x x x x x x x


57

5.9 Infrastructure and Equipment Programme

5.9.1 Background

Infrastructure is required to support management of Mt Kenya FR. The infrastructure range from roads, airstrips; telecommunication systems; nature trails; bridges; campsites; bandas; picnic sites; residential and non-residential buildings; outposts; aircrafts; vehicles, machinery, fire fighting equipment and fire towers; power – generators, electricity, solar, water flow measuring devises, weather stations, communication equipments, electric fence, game moats etc. The statuses of infrastructure are at different conditions and require maintenance through one-time and regular rehabilitation. Some cases require new establishments.


(a) Poor roads and bridges maintenance

(b) Lack of maintenance of residential and non residential buildings

(c) Inadequate residential and non residential buildings

(d) Inadequate communication equipment

(e) Inadequate transport and road maintenance facilities and plants

(f) Long distance to power supply lines

(g) Inadequate resources to facilitation erection of game barriers

5.9.3 Management Objective

(a) To develop, improve and maintain physical infrastructure

(b) Procure and maintain equipments and ICT infrastructure




58

Table 13: Infrastructure and Equipment Programme

Management Objective unit 10 yr targets



1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

To develop, improve and maintain physical infrastructure

Rehabilitate staff houses No 169 Reports 45M 34 34 34 34 33

New staff houses No 120 Certificate 180M 24 24 24 24 24

New Forest Ranger Posts Units 40 Certificate 48M 10 10 10 10

Rehabilitate FR Houses Units 100 Report 10M 20 20 20 20 20

Rehabilitate Offices No 27 Reports 5.4M 6 6 5 5 5

Rehabilitate garages No 5 Reports 2.5M 3 2

Construct HOC offices No 2 Certificates 32M 2

Construct car sheds No 28 Certificates 2.8M 6 6 6 5 5

Construct Stores No 8 Certificates 8M 4 4

Construct Armories No 27 Certificate 5.4M 10 10 7

Rehab. water supply system No 22 Report 22M 5 5 4 4 4

Install ICT facilities Offices 52 records 5.2M 12 10 10 10 10

Rehabilitate Fire tower No 5 Reports 1.0M 5

Construct Fire towers No 22 Reports 11M 5 5 4 4 4

Connect Power supply No 22 Records 2.2M 5 5 4 4 4

Rehabilitate Tree Nurseries No 22 Reports 11M 5 5 4 4 4


59




1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Install Weather station No 22 Reports 2.2M 5 5 4 4 4

Improve water supply system No ???

Construct Nature trails Km 22 Reports 0.5M 12 10

Construct picnic/camping sites No 22 Certificates 33M 5 5 4 4 4

Develop arboreta No 3 Reports 6M X X X X X X X X X X

Maintain Nature trails Km 50 Reports 0.5M X X X X X X X X X X

Construct Electric fence Km 350 Reports 350M 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50

Maintain Electric fence Km 400 Reports 40M X X X X X X X X X X

Construct air strip No 2 Certificate ???

Construct roads Km 100 Certificate 100M 20 20 20 20 20

Maintain Roads Km 879 Records 87.9M x x x x x x x x x x

Maintain Bridges No 66 Reports 6.6M x x x x x x x x x x

Maintain line culverts Lines 220 Reports 2.2M x x x x x x x x x x

Construct Gates and Road Barriers No 35 Certificates 35M 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Guest Houses No 3 Certificate 6M 1 1 1

Procure and maintain equipments and ICT infrastructure

Vehicles (4x4) No 30 Records 75M 14 14

Lorries No 2 Records 12m 2

Tractors/Trailers No 22 Records 61.6M 12 10


60




1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Grader No 2 Records 25M 1 1

Shovel No 2 Records !2M 1 1

Bulldozer No 1 Records 12M 1

Aircraft No 1 Records 250M 1

Firearms and Ammunition

Motor cycles No 37 Records 9.25M 2

Bicycles No 50 Records 0.25M

Communication equipment Units 27 Records ????

Firefighting equipment Sets 10 Records 10M 10

Water bowser No 3 Records 18M 1 2


61

5.10 Human Capital Development Programme

5.10.1 Background

Kenya Forest Service manages Mt. Kenya Forest Reserve through Eastern and Central Highland Conservancies, under which are 5 Forest Zones and 22 Forest Stations each under a Forester. In addition areas adjacent to the Forest Reserve are managed by forest extension officer at Administrative Divisional level. The Kenya Forest Service staffing levels in the field was greatly affected by the Public Service Reform Programme (PSRP) since 1998 through retrenchment and voluntary early retirement of productive staff. This has greatly affected field operations and policing. To enhance policing and overall security within the forest areas additional forest rangers and community scouts will be needed while contract labour will be used for undertaking silvicultural operations.


(a) Inadequate staff at all cadres

(b) Inadequate technical skills

(c) Lank of elaborate staff welfare programme

5.10.3 Programme Objective:

(a) Improve staff capacity

(b) Improve staff welfare

(c) Develop a staff improvement programme




62

Table 14: Human Capital Development Programme

Management Objective unit 10 yr targets Means of verification budget Time frame (yrs)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Improve staff capacity

Conduct workload analysis No 2 Reports x x

Conduct training needs assessment No 2 Report x x

Technical Skills improvement courses

No 20 Report 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

IT training No. 10 Report 2 3 2 3

GIS/GPS training No 10 Report 2 3 2 3

PFM (forest rangers and foresters) No xx Report

Exchange tours No. 10 x x x x x x x x x x

Paramilitary refresher courses No 2 Report 1

Improve staff welfare

Develop staff recreation facilities No 28 report 2 5 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 1

Undertake work environment survey

No. 2 x x

Implement recommendations of survey

ls 28? Report x x x x x x x x x x

Develop a staff improvement programme

Conduct team building sessions No 20 Report 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Conduct annual staff fora No 20 Report 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2


63

5.11 Research and Monitoring Programme

5.11.1 Background

Research provides information for planning, implementation and monitoring of programmes. It also fills gaps in knowledge that is required for sustainable management of natural resources. Research entails baseline data collection, development of new and improved technologies, and trend analysis. Monitoring is important for prioritization of activities and identification of new areas that need to be targeted. Research should not only focus on biotic and abiotic environment but should also consider resource users and their impacts and knowledge for the purpose of sustainable management of the ecosystem. Baseline surveys on the socio-economic status of the communities adjacent to the reserves will provide information on the way they use the resources and their impacts on the biodiversity. These surveys will be used to determine the sustainable off-take levels and provide information necessary for monitoring impacts on the ecosystem while proposing mitigation measures.


(a) Inadequate resources and personnel

(b) Weak linkage between research institution and forest managers

(c) Poor dissemination of research finds to potential users


(a) Conduct study on threats of forest resource and control measures

(b) Valuation of ecosystem resource

(c) Establish natural and plantation forest improvement

(d) Improve forest products utilization

(e) Undertake valuation of forest carbon pools

(f) Generate and disseminate research Information




64

Table 15: Research and Monitoring Programme

Management Objectives unit 10 yr

targets

Means of verification budget Time frame (yrs)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Conduct study on threats of forest resource and control measures

Research on fire control measures No 1 Reports x

Disease and pest control No 1 Report x

Management of invasive species No 1 Report x

Assessment of livestock carrying capacity No 1 Report x

Assessment of wildlife carrying capacity No 1 Report x

Research on unpalatable species No 1 Report x

Valuation of ecosystem resource

Baseline study on forest resources No 2 Report x x

Biodiversity assessment survey No 2 Report x x

Develop monitoring indicators No 1 Report x

Socio-economic study on FAC No 2 Report x x

Establish natural and plantation forest improvement

Establishment of PSPs, TPs, demonstration plots No 90 Report 30 30 30


65


targets


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Plantation spp diversification study No 1 Report x

Develop species growth and yield models for

natural and plantation forests

No 10 Report 2 2 2 2 2

Determine the site indices for various spp No 10 Report 2 2 2 2 2

Regeneration mgt No 1 Report x

Improve forest products utilization

Study on efficiency of forest industries No 2 Report 1 1

Research on integrated utilization No 2 Report 1 1

Forest products value addition No 2 Report 1 1

Development of training packages on efficient utilization

No 5 Report 1 1 1 1 1

Undertake valuation of forest carbon pools

Assessment of carbon stock No 1 Report 1

Establishment of carbon demo plots No 5 Report 2 2 1

Develop carbon assessment training packages N0 1 Report 1

Generate and disseminate research Information


66


targets


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Develop publication and dissemination strategy


67

Chapter 6

6. PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

6.1 Costs of implementing the management plan

Substantial funds will be needed to finance this plan which has both recurrent and capital development expenditure. The main sources of finances will come from the consolidated funds. However, noting that KFS is a new institution, it is faced with a big financial challenge and this may necessitate seeking for funds from other sources to support major capital development.

The key sources of funds for financing implementation of the plan will include:-

(a) Government funds: Funds appropriated by the Government to KFS for forestry development.

(b) KFS Internal funds: Revenue generated from plantation forests; levies and loyalties imposed on forestry related activities and services; funds generated from investments; and Appropriation in Aid.

(c) External sources: Funds from development partners and other agencies; and funds available at the international level for the sequestration of the Green House Gases, conservation of biological diversity, protection of water catchments and combating desertification.

6.2 Revenue Projections 2010-2019

The projected revenue from Mt Kenya Forest Reserve over the plan period is expected to be collected from diverse sources of goods and services. The main sources and the projected revenue within the Forest Reserve are as shown in the table below.


68

Table 16: Revenue Projection

Source Unit 10 yr Target

Unit price Projected revenue (millions)/yr Total revenue

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Timber M3

(millions) 1.9 2,800 532 532 600 600 600 600 600 600 750 750 750

Fuelwood M3

(millions) 1 1,200 72 72 72 72 72 80 80 80 80 80 80

Transmission poles

No (‘000’) 600 2,800 168 168 168 168 168 175 175 175 175 175 175

Other poles and posts

No (million)

3 350 10.5 10.5 10.5 10.5 10.5 12 12 15 15 15 15

Bamboo Ha 10000 10 25 80 100 140 140 140 140 140 140 140

Tourist facilities No 50 2,500,000 50 75 125 125 125 125 125 200 200 200 200

Camping fees No 20,000 1500 30 30 30 30 30 40 40 40 40 40 40

PES

Water

NB: Projection of demand beyond the fifth year uncertain. Fuelwood demand may in fact decline due to discovery of other sources of energy. PES; Carbon trade from Gichu, Water Resources from Njehia


69

6.3 Environmental Impact Assessment

Planning of conservation and development activities within the ecosystem will follow a holistic approach. Environmental Impact Assessments will be carried out on planned development activities before they are undertaken. Environmental Impact Assessment will be designed to ensure that negative impacts are recognized and mitigated against.

6.4 Monitoring and Evaluation

Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of the management plan is essential since it provides a basis for observation, adjustment and improvement of the targeted activities, proposed goals and assessment of the achievements. Monitoring and evaluation of this management plan will be based on annual work plans that will be prepared for each forest station.

To ensure that implementation of the management plan is on course, a monitoring and evaluation plan will be formulated and reviewed regularly during the plan period. A mid and end term evaluation will be carried out to assess progress in the implementation of planned activities and achievement of objectives. The evaluation report will also provide essential information that can be used in the revision of the management plan.

6.5 Plan Implementation Organization Structure

As shown below, implementation of the management plan will be done through a Management Committee. The Committee will provide a forum for dialogue, consensus building, priority setting and balancing of the various interests involved. The chairman of the committee will be the HOC on a rotational basis/alternate.

Figure 5: Plan Implementation Organization Structure

The MKFCC will determine the membership of the Zonal management Committee depending on the prevailing activities. However these committees will be chaired by the Zonal Managers.

Forest Reserve Conservation Committee (MKFCC) Head of Conservancy Eastern

Head of Conservancy Central Highlands Forest Zonal Managers

Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru South, Meru Central

Nyeri Zone Management

Committee

Kirinyaga Zone Management

Committee

Embu Zone Management

Committee

Meru South Management

Committee

Meru Central Management

Committee


70

6.6 Guiding principles for the Implementation of the Plan

Planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, the plan will be guided by the following principles throughout the plan period: -

(a) Gender equity: Gender considerations shall be integrated at all levels of plan implementation. Equitable representation of women in meetings and decision-making processes will be sought to enhance the role played by them in the conservation of the Mt Kenya Forest Reserve. Gender balance will be established where possible and all groups (youth, elderly, disadvantaged) will be considered in the various sub-committees and in field activities. Awareness creation among the men will be enhanced to highlight the importance and value of involving all interest groups in conservation and other activities.

(b) Transparency: This will be maintained in all decision-making processes to ensure that key stakeholders are kept informed on the on-going activities and of future envisaged plans. This approach is essential towards developing, maintaining and improving rapport between the institutions/organizations that will be involved in the implementation of the management plan.

6.7 Community participation in plan implementation

Local Forest adjacent communities (FAC) will participate in the plan implementation through CFAs.


71

APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Forest Excisions and additions

Forest Legal notice area (ha) Purpose

Excision Addition

Mt. Kenya 70 of 1949 58,883.8 - National park

“ 36 of 1950 3,480.8 - Settlement

“ 15 of 1951 127.5 - Settlement

“ 5 of 1952 - 789.2 Afforestation





“ 336 of 1965 56.2 - Kangaita tea

“ 226 of 1967 485.6 - Sagana settlement

“ 182 of 1968 10,522.2 - National park

“ 183 of 1968 2,124.6 - Settlement

“ 309 of 1968 947.0 - Settlement

“ 12 of 1969 65.6 - Kagochi tea

“ 68 of 1975 384.1 - Mr. Angaine

“ 11 of 1976 186.5 - Kangaita tea

“ 13 of 1976 9.4 7.3 Exchange

“ 61 of 1977 20.4 - Kirinyaga tech. Inst.

“ 107 of 1977 546.2 - Mr. Angaine

“ 222 of 1977 195.9 - Settlement

“ 29 of 2001 796.0 - Settlement (ngusishi)

“ 147 of 2001 717.0 - Settlement

“ 149 of 2001 912.1 - Settlement

“ 150 of 2001 196.0 - Settlement

Total 80,656.3 1,675.0


72

Appendix II: Roles of Stakeholders in Plan Implementation

STAKEHOLDER ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Kenya Forest Service (KFS)

Management of forests in Mt. Kenya ecosystem and adjacent farmlands.

Revenue collection from sale of forest produce

Licensing and regulation of exploitation of forest products

Farm Forestry promotion through forestry extension services

Clear felled areas re-forestation and rehabilitation of degraded areas

Maintenance of plantation forests

Collaboration with stake holders on ecosystem management

Forest fires prevention and suppression

Liaison with other stakeholders on security and ecosystem management issues

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Conservation and preservation of fauna in the FR

Human/ wildlife conflict management to reduce threats to human life and property through Problem Animal Control and construction of animal barriers

Liaison with other stakeholders on security and ecosystem management issues

Custodian of CITES / wetland convention

Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI)

Undertake research issues on trees, and their documentation

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

Implementation of soil and water conservation, agro-forestry and other sustainable agriculture programmes

Advice on improved and appropriate varieties of food and livestock.

Provide technical advice on food production under PELIS

Water Department Development, control, apportion, conserve and regulation of water resources

Assessment and Monitoring of water resources (quality and levels)

Empowerment of communities in the management of water resources through dissemination of new water policies

Planning, surveying and designing of new water schemes

National Museums of Kenya (NMK)

conservation education programmes preparation and presentation through films, video shows and documentaries

education on cultural practices of the people inhabiting Mt. Kenya ecosystem

research on the past use of cultural sites within Mt. Kenya ecosystem

Taxonomy: herbarium

National Environmental Management Authority

Environmental management and coordination

Water Resource Management Authority (Tana and Ewaso-nyiro North)

Conserve, manage and develop water resources


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STAKEHOLDER ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Forest Adjacent Communities (FAC)

Participatory forest management

Establish income generating activities (IGA)/projects

Protection of forest reserves through collaborative security patrols.

Indigenous conservation technologies/ knowledge dissemination to the present generation

Wood-based Industries Sustainable exploitation of forest resources

Support forest conservation programmes and t protection

Tourism Stakeholders Market and advocate the conservation of the ecosystem

Ecotourism promotion and education of communities on the benefits accruing from ecosystem conservation

Employment opportunities creation to the communities as tour guides and porters

Tourism facilities establishment like hotels and campsites

Provincial Administration and local leaders

Maintain law and order

Disseminate government policies

Kenya Roads Board Funding for construction and maintenance of classified roads

SAGAs and private sector Management of Water resource for domestic and industrial use

Wood energy utilization

Management of Tea Belt

NGOs Advocacy

Community capacity building

Resource mobilization for conservation

Local Authorities (county councils and municipalities)

Resource users

Meteorological department Essential climatic data

Development partners/donors Funding conservation projects

Technical support

Education institution Research

Education

Ministry of Lands Legal framework, policy on land use

Ministry of Water and Irrigation

Resource user and policy formulation

Irrigation and drainage department.

Resource users

Ministry of energy Resource users and service provider


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Appendix III: Existing and proposed Tourism Sites

Enterprise Name Beds Forest area

Existing

1 Bantu Lodge Gathiuru Forest Station in Nyeri District

2 Castle Forest Lodge Castle Forest Station in Kirinyaga District

3 Mountain Lodge Hombe Forest Station in Nyeri

4 Themwe Camp Site Ruthumbi Forest station in Meru Central District

5 Thiba Fisheries Campsite Castle Forest Station in Kirinyaga District

6 Timau Fishing & Camping Tourism Ontulili Forest Station in Meru Central District

7 Chogoria Lodge Chogoria Forest station Meru South District

Proposed

1 Chogoria Fishing Campsite Chogoria Forest station Meru South District

2 Hombe /State Lodge 20 Hombe Forest Nyeri

3 Irangi Forest Lodge 60 Irangi Forest- Embu District

4 Irangi Guest House 20 Irangi Forest- Embu District

5 Kangaita Cultural Site & Campsite 40 Castle Forest Station in Kirinyaga District

6 Kiangodu Guest house 20 Chuka Forest in Meru South District

7 King Muhuru Camp Site Meru Station in Meru District

8 Marania Fishing & Sports Tourism Camp

60 Marania Forest Station in Meru

9 Murinduku Sacred site & Campsite Njukini West Forest station in Kirinyaga Disrict

10 Nanyuki Forest Guest House & Campsite

20 Nanyuki Forest in Nyeri District

11 Naro Moru Lodge & Campsite 60 Naro Moru Forest Station in Nyeri District

12 Ngare Ndare FCC and Management Project

40 Ngare Ndare Forest in Meru Central District

13 Njukini Guest House 20 Njukiini West Forest Station in Kirinyaga District

14 Nkunga Sacred Lake Campsite Meru Forest in Meru Central District

15 Ragati Guest house 20 Ragati Forest Station Nyeri District

16 Ragati Fish Farming & Fishing Camp

60 Ragati Forest Station in Nyeri District

17 Sacred Lake Lodge 60 Mucheene Forest in Meru

18 Secret valley Lodge 60 Nanyuki Forest

19 Thegu Forest lodge 60 Kabaru Forest Station in Nyeri

20 Themwe/Kabuiria Lodge 60 Ruthumbi Forest in Meru Central District

21 Tungu/Chungu River Lodge 60 Chuka Forest in Meru south District

22 Tuuru Water Dam Forest Lodge 60 Nyambene Forest, Meru North District

.


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Appendix IV: Human Resource Capacity Needs

No. Rank/design In post optimum Variance Remarks

EC CHC EC CHC EC CHC

1 SAD 1 1 1 1 0 0

2 AD 3 3 5 4

3 Chief Forest Officer 0 0

4 Senior Forest Officer 6 4

5 Chief Forester 1 1

6 Asst Chief Forester

7 Senior Forester 11 11

8 Forester 1 11 11

9 Assistant Commandant

1 1 1 1 0 0

10 Senior Supt FR 0 0 3 2 3 2

11 Chief Inspector FR 0 0 12 12

12 Sgt FR 20 10

13 Corporal FR 40 30

14 Constable FR 300 200 Include 2 FR per office and 1 FR per 400 ha forest

15 FR Recruit 28 26

16 Surveyor 1 1

17 Road Supt 1 1

18 Head Inventory 1 1

19 HR/Administrator 1 1

20 Accountant 1 1

21 Accountant Asst 3 2

22 Supplies Asst 4 3

23 Clerks 30 28

24 Secretary 4 3

25 Copy typist 11 11

26 Drivers 34 28

27 Mechanics 6 4

28 Artisans 6 4

29 Carpenters 6 4

30 Mason 3 2

31 Plant operators 6 4

32 Pilot 1

33 Co-pilot 1

34 Support staff 85 73 Nursery 3 ,Office2,field supervision 2 per FS

Key EC: Eastern Conservancy, CHC: Central Highlands Conservancy, SAD: Senior Assistant Director, AD: Assistant Director, FR: Forest Ranger, HR: Human Resource, FS: Forest station


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Appendix V: Status of Mt. Kenya Forest Reserve

DISTRICT STATION AREA (HA)

INDIGENOUS FOREST (HA)

BUSHLAND (HA)

PLANTATIONS (HA)

GRASSLAND (HA)

BAMBOO (HA)

MOOR-LAND (HA)

PLANTATION AREAS

REVERTING TO

INDIGENOUS (HA)

DEGRADED AREAS (HA)

Nyeri Hombe 3,618.0 2,342.20 66 1,162.7 0 0 0 52.3 120

Nyeri Ragati 10,477.6 5,045.40 33.8 1,259.6 389 3,607.30 177.5 8

Nyeri Nanyuki 9,855.0 1,624.00 938 2,917.0 4,203.00 1,897.00 2,817.00 6 70

Nyeri Kabaru 13,394.6 6,021.60 386.1 2,407.3 125.5 4,454.10 137.9 100

Nyeri Gathiuru 14,985.0 8,625.30 1,189.90 2,557.3 612.5 2,000.00 44.1 139.6

Nyeri Chehe 4,945.0 4,076.80 112 406.3 82 182.8 5.7 25 16

Nyeri Naromoru 7,195.0 6,031.40 0 762.1 401.5 0 0 298 20

Embu Njukiini E 444.8 171.6 273.2 11.2 115

Irangi 18,393 7,577.1 256.73 200 2,497.37 6837 48.7 850

Meru Central

Upper Imenti

5945.6 2,667.6 3121 0 157

Mt. Kenya 7,946.27 4,622 544.3 0 1211 1078.97 200 290

Kiagu Hill 931.33 931.33 0

Mucheene 10,200 4,537.99 212 2,794.1 2,525.91 130 38.1 95

Ruthumbi 12,605 6,434.7 395 365.3 3,009.0 2301 50 200

Ontulili 32,926.75 27,931.35 1,463.4 3,430.0 62.7 2700

Timau 285.4 125.6 115 13.8 31 20

Marania 7,280 3,885.1 1460 558.5 802 560 429.5 14.4

Lower Imenti

2,462 2,462 0 2462

Kirinyaga Kangaita 4,598.4 2062 400 235.0 393.9 1500 150


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DISTRICT STATION AREA (HA)

INDIGENOUS FOREST (HA)

BUSHLAND (HA)

PLANTATIONS (HA)

GRASSLAND (HA)

BAMBOO (HA)

MOOR-LAND (HA)

PLANTATION AREAS

REVERTING TO

INDIGENOUS (HA)

DEGRADED AREAS (HA)

Njukiini West

556.8 126.6 24.3 365.0 4.1 36.3

Kathendeini 9327 3498.7 110 15.4 4.2 5,620 78.7 0.2

Murinduko 194.4 32.6 65 56.1 5

Castle 19,970.7 7525.7 4,750.9 576.2 3,000 20 20

Meru South

Chuka 23,403.13 17,602.95 1700 200.18 500 3,400 - 1267.5

Chogoria 16,000 11,270 600 30 70 4,000

Total 243,494.80 139,424.20 17,761.30 18,618.48 21,618.90 40,572.30 2,822.70 1,739.70 9,139.00

Documents

Mt. Kenya Forest Reserve Management PlanMt. Kenya Forest Reserve Management Plan 2010-2019 ii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This plan is referred to as Mt. Kenya Forest Reserve Management Plan