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.