RESTORE AND CONSERVE BUNYALA FOREST IN KENYA

The Bunyala Forest Restoration Initiative implemented by Action for Child Development Trust (ACDT) aims to restore degraded forest ecosystems and wetlands within Bunyala Forest while improving the livelihoods of surrounding communities. The project contributes to the Government of Kenya’s national target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032, an initiative led by the Kenya Forest Service.

The project actively involved local communities in restoration activities including tree planting, weeding, trench digging, and nursery operations, creating employment opportunities and supporting household incomes. In addition, community groups registered under ACDT are benefiting from the Soya Kit Program, which supports income generation through the processing and sale of soy-based products. Such economic activity helps to create other economic activities for the community to reduce community -forest destruction for smooth co-existence.

The main purpose of the Bunyala Forest restoration initiative is to:

• Restore degraded forest and wetland ecosystems
• Improve biodiversity and ecosystem services
• Protect water catchment areas
• Enhance climate resilience
• Improve livelihoods for communities living around the forest

Wetland restoration is particularly important in this landscape because wetlands regulate water flow, support wildlife habitats, improve water quality, and sustain local agriculture and livelihoods.

Currently over 13,000 trees have been planted. 

A tree nursery was established in December 2025 by ACDT at Mukangu Forest Station in partnership with the Kenya Forest Service. The nursery aims to raise 100,000 indigenous tree seedlings from wildings to support forest restoration while also operating as a social enterprise to generate funds for community development programs. The allocation of a plot by KFS strengthens collaboration between ACDT and forest conservation partners.

Event: Bunyala Forest Walk – July 2025

1. Introduction

Additional to GlobalGiving fundraising initiative, Action for Child Development Trust (ACDT) engaged the community through a local fundraising strategy, the Bunyala Forest Walk was successfully held in July 2025. The primary objective of the event was to mobilize resources for the restoration and conservation of Bunyala Forest, while raising awareness among local communities, partners, and stakeholders on the importance of environmental sustainability.

The event served as a practical demonstration of ACDT’s commitment to fostering locally driven solutions for environmental conservation and climate action.

2. Key Achievements a. Tree Planting

• A total of 13,000 tree seedlings were planted during the event- Funded by GlobalGiving and local fundraising intiative..

• Equity Bank contributed additional seedlings through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.

b. Funds Raised

• Kshs 450,000 raised in cash contributions.

• Kshs 850,000 raised in-kind (including seedlings, logistics, and materials).

• Total resources mobilized: approximately Kshs 1.3 million.

c. Partnerships and Commitments During the local fundraising activity.

• Equity Bank supported the event with tree seedlings.

• One Acre Fund/Tupande committed to ongoing collaboration by supplying seedlings for future initiatives.

• Neighbours to the Forest, Bunyala Forest Community Conservation association, Tertiary institutions and school children.

• Kenya Forest Service (KFS) allocated space at the Bunyala Forest Station for ACDT to establish a tree nursery.

• Several stakeholders expressed interest in supporting the initiative annually.

d. Institutional Outcomes

• ACDT received recognition as a key local partner in forest conservation and restoration.

• The event established a platform for long-term collaboration among corporates, NGOs, and government institutions.

3. Key Outputs

• 13,000 trees planted, contributing directly to reforestation efforts.

• Tree nursery space allocated at Bunyala Forest Station to ensure sustainability of the initiative.

• Annual commitment secured from partners and stakeholders to support future forest walks.

• Enhanced visibility and credibility of ACDT in environmental conservation and local resource mobilization.

4. Outcomes and Impact

• Enhanced restoration and conservation of the Bunyala Forest ecosystem.

• Increased community awareness and participation in environmental sustainability initiatives.

• Institutionalization of the Bunyala Forest Walk as an annual flagship fundraising and conservation event.

• Strengthened local fundraising capacity through both cash and in-kind contributions, reducing dependence on external aid.

5. Conclusion

The Bunyala Forest Walk – July 2025 successfully demonstrated the power of local fundraising in advancing ACDT’s mission. By mobilizing over Kshs 1.3 million and planting 13,000 trees, the initiative not only contributed significantly to the restoration of Bunyala Forest, but also strengthened strategic partnerships and community ownership of environmental conservation.

Going forward, ACDT aims to sustain and scale this initiative annually, positioning itself as a leading grassroots organization driving community-led conservation and climate resilience in the region.