Kenya continues to face the urgent challenge of environmental degradation, driven by deforestation, reduced forest cover, and the growing impacts of climate change on communities. These challenges threaten ecosystems, water sources, and livelihoods across the country — especially within the 19 counties under the Tana River Development Authority (TARDA).
In response to this pressing need, the Global Peace Foundation Kenya (GPF Kenya), represented by Mr. Japheth Ouda, Environment Manager, and Mr. Vincent Ayako, Partnership Manager, held a consultative meeting with the TARDA Environment team at their headquarters in Industrial Area, Nairobi County. The TARDA team included Juliana Juma, Denis Kiyeng, Fredrick Kitungu, George Mwai, Dolphine Omwenga, Denis Langat, and Jimmy Mutunga.
The meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration and align efforts toward restoring degraded landscapes, improving community livelihoods, and contributing to Kenya’s national ambition of growing 15 billion trees by 2032. Both organizations explored strategic opportunities to accelerate the tree-growing movement, promote sustainable land management, and scale community-focused environmental initiatives.
A central focus of the discussion was the potential to leverage technical skills, material support, and digital monitoring and evaluation systems to enhance the ongoing establishment of 19 Chandaria Tree Nurseries, currently active in 15 counties. Through this partnership, TARDA aims to grow 13 million trees, while GPF Kenya and its partners have committed to planting 45 million trees by 2032.
To operationalize this shared vision, the two institutions agreed to formalize their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This framework will guide joint activities, structure resource-sharing, and accelerate progress toward restoring ecosystems, strengthening climate resilience, and advancing peace through environmental stewardship.
This partnership marks an essential step in confronting Kenya’s environmental challenges and driving coordinated action toward a greener, more sustainable future.