Kajiado County Natural Resource Network: Improved Planning, Awareness and Scale-Up of FLR among communities
Full Solution
Launch of KCNRN
WWF Kenya
The Kajiado County Natural Resource Network (KCNRN) exemplifies a governance-led approach to scaling Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR). Registered in June 2022, the KCNRN unites over 25 member organizations under a shared framework for sustainable natural resource management. The network improves FLR outcomes through strategic planning, raising public awareness, and enabling collaboration among local actors, government institutions, and private partners. The network’s focus areas include wildlife, agriculture, rangelands, and community engagement, with an emphasis on sustainable land use and cross-sectoral learning. Innovative initiatives, like "Miti Festival," highlight the network’s success in mobilizing resources and fostering public participation. This solution was implemented by WWF under the AREECA project, a Consortium financed by BMUV and composed of AUDA-NEPAD, FAO, GIZ, IUCN, the World Bank, and WRI. KCNRN’s strategic planning, financial policy, and governance structure provide a replicable model for scaling FLR.
Last update: 24 Feb 2025
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Context
Challenges addressed
Scaling FLR in Kajiado County faces several challenges. Small-scale forest owners lack organization, limiting value chain development for wood and non-wood products. Weak marketing systems and insufficient financial incentives deter private sector investors. Additionally, capacity constraints hinder the design and implementation of sustainable land management practices, as agricultural extension services were significantly reduced in past decades. Public awareness of FLR remains limited, affecting community engagement. The network has begun addressing these barriers through strategic planning, cross-sector collaboration, and the mobilization of private sector resources via public-private partnerships (PPPs). However, transparent governance and consistent resource mobilization are critical to overcoming these challenges.
Location
Kajiado, Kenya
East and South Africa
Process
Summary of the process
The KCNRN’s building blocks form an integrated system for scaling FLR in Kajiado County. Establishing a governance mechanism provides the structural foundation for coordinating restoration efforts across 24 member organizations. This governance framework supports public awareness campaigns, like the "Miti" festival, which mobilize communities and increase public engagement in FLR. Capacity building ensures that local organizations have the skills and resources to implement restoration activities effectively. Together, these building blocks create a cohesive model where governance enables planning and resource mobilization, public awareness fosters community participation, and capacity building sustains implementation. The integration of these elements ensures that FLR efforts are scalable, inclusive, and aligned with local development priorities.
Building Blocks
Establishing a County-Level Governance Mechanism
The network was created to improve FLR governance and coordination in Kajiado County. By bringing together 24 member organizations, the network provides a unified platform for planning and resource mobilization. A governance framework was developed, including a constitution, strategic plan (2023–2028), finance policy, and human resources manual. These documents ensure operational transparency and resource efficiency. Regular meetings of the general assembly and secretariat facilitate accountability and trust among members. The governance structure also supports FLR funding integration within County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs), strengthening the alignment of restoration activities with local development goals.
Enabling factors
- Registration of the KCNRN as a formal entity in June 2022.
- Development of governance documents, including a strategic plan and finance policy.
- Broad representation of organizations addressing multiple thematic areas.
Lesson learned
Establishing a formal governance mechanism enhances coordination, accountability, and access to funding for scaling FLR efforts:
- Formal Registration: The official registration of the KCNRN in June 2022 provided legal legitimacy, allowing the network to act as an authoritative body in FLR coordination and advocacy.
- Governance Framework: Development of key documents, including a constitution, a strategic plan (2023–2028), financial policies, and an HR manual, ensured operational transparency and accountability.
- Inclusive Membership: The network united over 24 member organizations representing diverse sectors like agriculture, water, and wildlife, enabling cross-sectoral collaboration and holistic planning.
- County Government Support: The integration of FLR priorities into County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs) ensured alignment with local development objectives and access to government resources.
Public Awareness and Community Mobilization Through Cultural Campaigns
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.
Enabling factors
- Use of cultural events like the "Miti" festival to anchor restoration campaigns.
- Engagement of social media influencers to increase public participation.
- Collaboration with schools, businesses, and local government institutions.
Lesson learned
Cultural campaigns are powerful tools for mobilizing large-scale community participation and fostering long-term commitment to FLR:
- Cultural Integration: Linking the "Miti" tree planting festival to cultural traditions created a sense of pride and ownership among community members, making restoration efforts relatable and engaging.
- Use of Social Media Influencers: Mobilizing local influencers expanded the reach of the campaign, ensuring broad public participation and awareness, particularly among younger demographics.
- Collaboration with Institutions: Partnerships with schools, businesses, and local government institutions ensured diverse participation and contributed to large-scale community engagement.
- Annual Campaign Model: Establishing "Miti" as an annual event institutionalized restoration activities, ensuring sustained momentum and recurring public interest in FLR.
- Localized Messaging: Tailored communication materials and campaigns addressed local environmental challenges, making FLR goals more relevant to the community
Capacity Building for FLR Implementation
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.
Enabling factors
- Needs assessments to identify gaps and tailor training programs.
- Thematic leadership roles to focus on key areas like rangeland management and water conservation.
- Collaboration across sectors to facilitate knowledge sharing.
Lesson learned
Building local capacity ensures that FLR efforts are effectively implemented and sustained, especially when combined with cross-sector collaboration:
- Needs Assessment: A comprehensive needs assessment identified specific capacity gaps in areas such as land management, value chain development, and resource mobilization, enabling targeted training efforts.
- Thematic Leadership: Nominating lead organizations for each thematic area (e.g., rangeland management, water conservation) ensured focused leadership and accountability within the network.
- Resource Mobilization: Access to financial resources from public, private, and third-sector partners supported training programs and operational needs.
- Knowledge Sharing: The network facilitated cross-sector collaboration and learning exchanges, enabling members to share best practices and innovate collectively.
- Training Programs: Workshops and practical training initiatives strengthened the technical skills of local organizations, ensuring efficient implementation of FLR activities.
Impacts
The KCNRN has made measurable progress in scaling FLR in Kajiado County. By fostering collaboration among its more than 25 member organizations, the network has improved coordination for sustainable land use and natural resource management across Kajiado County (21,292.7 km2). Public awareness has increased through campaigns like the "Miti” festival, engaging local schools, businesses, and influencers in large-scale tree planting efforts. The network's strategic planning has strengthened institutional capacities, with a five-year (2023–2028) plan, financial policy, and human resources manual now in place. These documents ensure clarity in governance and mobilization of resources from public, private, and third-sector organizations. Capacity building efforts have enhanced the ability of local organizations to implement FLR activities efficiently, improving livelihoods alongside restored landscapes. The network’s role in advocating for FLR funding within County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs) further ensures long-term political and financial commitment to restoration efforts.
Beneficiaries
Beneficiaries include rural communities in Kajiado County, small-scale forest owners, local schools, and businesses. These groups benefit from improved livelihoods, increased awareness of sustainable practices, and enhanced access to restoration resources and
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 13 – Climate action
SDG 15 – Life on land
