To reduce community reliance on deforestation activities, the project introduced livelihood diversification options, including irrigation farming, beekeeping, banana and pineapple production, goat and chicken rearing, and mushroom cultivation. These activities provide sustainable income alternatives that align with the conservation goals of Mvai Forest Reserve. Local farmers are trained in small-scale irrigation and sustainable agriculture techniques to improve productivity without expanding farmland and so far four irrigation schemes have been developed to enable crop production three times a year. The diversification of livelihoods aims to create a sustainable income base for the community, reducing the need for charcoal production and forest exploitation. These initiatives are at varying stages of implementation, with some fully operational, such as banana and pineapple farming, while others, like mushroom production and fish farming will be operational by March 2025.

The demarcation of Mvai Forest Reserve’s boundaries was a collaborative effort involving the local community, traditional leaders, and government agencies. Through consultations and field visits, boundaries were marked to clearly delineate protected areas, minimizing conflicts over land use and reducing unauthorized access. Community members participated in the boundary-setting process, reinforcing their understanding and respect for the protected area’s limits. Demarcation included physical markers, providing a visible reminder to the community of the forest’s boundaries, which also helped organize patrols and enforce restricted access. This clear boundary setting allowed the project to manage forest resources systematically, while community participation ensured the demarcation was respected and recognized by all stakeholders. This collaborative demarcation process strengthened the community’s role in conservation and solidified the boundaries as a foundation for sustainable management.

To curb illegal activities in Mvai Forest Reserve, stricter by-laws and enhanced enforcement mechanisms were introduced through the Chief’s Forum in collaboration with local government. These by-laws regulate activities such as charcoal production, farming, and firewood collection within the reserve. Measures include stricter penalties for illegal resource use, community sensitization on legal repercussions, and improved support for local patrol committees. The project provided necessary equipment to community committees for patrolling and monitoring encroachment, while local authorities agreed to expedite legal proceedings for forest-related offenses. This stricter enforcement framework addresses the underlying issues of encroachment, ensuring that illegal activities are deterred effectively. Additionally, community sensitization campaigns, led by traditional authorities, reinforced the importance of compliance with by-laws for sustainable forest management.

Community education and sensitization were essential components of the project to reduce encroachment and promote sustainable practices in Mvai Forest Reserve. The Chiefs Forum organised field visits to showcase governance challenges and educate participants on the environmental, social, and economic benefits of natural resource management. Local leaders conducted advocacy and awareness sessions to inform communities about the importance of conservation, sustainable land use, and legal regulations on resource use. Sensitization campaigns emphasized the impacts of deforestation and introduced sustainable livelihood alternatives, aiming to shift behaviors away from forest exploitation. These activities have empowered communities to take responsibility for forest protection and reporting illegal activities, significantly reducing encroachment and fostering a conservation mindset among local residents.

The Chief’s Forum was created to strengthen governance and reduce encroachment by uniting local chiefs, district council officers, and community representatives in a collaborative approach. Formed after extensive consultations in 2022, the Forum established a formalized structure to coordinate natural resource management efforts, aligning with traditional authorities and local government to enforce sustainable practices. Key responsibilities include advocacy for resource management, mobilizing funds, creating and enforcing by-laws, and promoting community sensitization on sustainable land use. The Forum acts as a bridge between the project and local stakeholders, fostering cooperation and accountability. Regular meetings and field visits enable chiefs to observe forest management challenges firsthand and address issues such as grazing and farming within protected areas.

The Entarara CFA established three user groups—beekeeping, nursery planting, and ecotourism—to support alternative livelihoods and reduce pressure on forest resources. The beekeeping group aims to produce honey, providing both income and pollination services within the forest. The nursery group focuses on growing indigenous and fruit trees for sale, with a target of 100,000 seedlings annually, supporting reforestation and providing income. The ecotourism group plans to fundraise for forest fencing, promote awareness, and develop tourism-friendly amenities like picnic sites and campsites. These groups offer diverse livelihood options that are ecologically sustainable and economically beneficial, fostering community commitment to forest conservation.

The formation of the Entarara Community Forest Association (CFA) marked a critical step in managing and conserving the forest through community engagement. WWF facilitated discussions with the seven nearby villages on the benefits of creating a CFA to allow legal and organized community involvement in forest management. By 2023, the CFA was officially formed, with a governance structure and a participatory forest management plan (PFMP) developed in collaboration with the Kenya Forest Service and Kajiado County. The CFA serves as the primary organization responsible for implementing restoration, protection, and community-led activities in the forest. It plays an essential role in mobilizing community members, organizing user groups, and ensuring that forest resources are managed sustainably, offering an inclusive platform for local voices and promoting ownership.

In 2020, efforts to restore Entarara Forest included a focus on removing invasive plant species, specifically lantana camara, which had spread throughout the area. The County government and CFA, with support from the WWF initiated invasive plant removal as part of its commitment to rehabilitate the degraded areas in the forest. The invasive species removal aimed to improve the ecological health of the forest by allowing native species to re-establish and enhancing habitat quality that  better supports ecosystem services. To support this, the County government supports local residents  to patrol and secure the forest, preventing re-encroachment. This early restoration activity coupled with re-afforestation was essential for creating the right conditions for forest regeneration and  impetus for future reforestation efforts.

The KCNRN enhances local capacity for FLR through targeted training and resource mobilization. A needs assessment informed the development of thematic leadership roles and capacity-building programs for local organizations. Training initiatives strengthen skills in sustainable land management, value chain development, and resource mobilization. The network also supports knowledge sharing and cross-sector collaboration, ensuring that member organizations can efficiently implement restoration activities.

The KCNRN promotes FLR awareness and community participation through innovative campaigns, such as linking restoration efforts to cultural events. The "Miti" festival mobilizes schools, businesses, and government institutions for large-scale tree planting, using social media influencers to amplify participation. This campaign integrates cultural identity with environmental action, fostering a sense of ownership among community members. By making tree planting a shared cultural event, the network raises awareness of sustainable land use while strengthening public support for FLR initiatives.