President William Ruto on Monday 27 October 2025 presided over the launch of the Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme (MFC-ICLIP), a ten-year national plan to restore Kenya’s largest water-tower ecosystem.
The event, held in Kuresoi, brought together national and county leaders, government agencies, and conservation partners. The programme is part of the Government’s “15 Billion Trees by 2032” campaign, which aims to restore degraded forests and improve livelihoods across the country.
President William Ruto addresses participants during the tree-planting session at the launch of the Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme in Kuresoi, Nakuru County on 27th October 2025.
Environment Cabinet Secretary Dr Deborah Barasa, Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Eng. Dr Festus Ng’eno, and Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika joined the President at the event.
Egerton’s Role in the Programme
Under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage and Project Lead Prof. Nzula Kitaka, Egerton University is a key partner in the MFC-ICLIP. The University will provide research expertise, technical oversight and community outreach support in the implementation of the programme.
Egerton’s participation focuses on restoring water sources such as Kenyatta Dam and Keringet Dam, improving water quality, promoting sustainable farming and supporting environmental education. The University also plays a role in resource mobilisation and monitoring project outcomes.
For more: https://www.egerton.ac.ke/university-news/partnerships/egerton-university-deepens-role-in-mau-ecosystem-conservation-through-new-partnership-with-mfc-iclip
University Delegation at the Launch
Egerton University was represented by a team led by Prof. George Owuor, Director of Research and Extension. Other members included Prof. Charles M’Erimba, Prof. Gilbert Obwoyere, Dr Samuel Osike, Dr Peter Ayeka, Ms Agnes Mwangi, Ms Stella Cheburet, Mr Barnabas Rotich, Mr Musa Kurian and Mr Dennis Odero, together with student representatives.
Egerton University leadership led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage pose for a group photo with a team from the State Department of Environment and Climate Change led by Principal Secretary Eng. Dr. Festus Ng’eno after a recent meeting to discuss the University’s continued partnership in the conservation of the Mau ecosystem.
The University has been involved in Mau conservation for more than a decade through tree planting, ecological research and public awareness programmes. Earlier this year, it hosted the 10th Mau–Egerton University Cross Country, whose proceeds will support the rehabilitation of the two dams in Kuresoi.
Marathon Marks Start of Awareness Campaign
Ahead of the official launch, the Mau Conservation Marathon was held on 24 October 2025 under the theme “Transforming Footsteps into Conservation Action.”
In support of the event, the University provided an ambulance and a medical team led by the Chief Medical Officer Dr Ann Njoki to offer emergency and health services throughout the marathon. The University also deployed sixty-nine (69) student volunteers who hail from Kuresoi North and Kuresoi South Sub-Counties to assist with logistics and community engagement during the race.
The event featured 5 km, 10 km and 21 km races, with the longest starting in Keringet and ending at Baringo Primary School in Kuresoi North. World champion Faith Cherotich was the race ambassador. Winners received their awards during the national launch presided over by President Ruto.
Programme Targets
The KSh 21.5 billion MFC-ICLIP aims to restore more than 33,000 hectares of forest and 668 hectares of wetlands while supporting sustainable livelihoods in the surrounding communities.
The project will also promote green enterprises, expand environmental education in schools, and enhance coordination among conservation partners.
Egerton University staff and students pose for a photo with the Director of Research and Extension Prof. George Owuor after taking part in a tree-planting session during the launch of the Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme.
It will be implemented through five main components: sustainable landscape management, community livelihood improvement, promotion of a circular economy, environmental education and research, and governance and resource mobilisation.
Continued Partnership
Egerton University says the collaboration will deepen in the coming years as the institution aligns its research and outreach work with national restoration goals. The University plans to participate in technical working groups and field activities under the programme.
Through its involvement, Egerton will continue linking research to community impact, promoting sustainable land use, protecting water sources and supporting conservation-based livelihoods.
For Egerton University, the Mau restoration effort reflects its mission of applying knowledge to solve real-world problems and contribute to Kenya’s environmental resilience.
Agnes Mwangi
Assistant Registrar – DMRM
