Browsing by Author "Njenga, Peninah"

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    Cherangany Hills Forest Ecosystem Services Assessment Report, 2025
    (Nature Kenya - the East Africa Natural History Society, 2025) Muoria, Paul K.; Wabuyele, Emily; Gacheru, Paul; Ngaruiya, Grace W; Amadi, Jacinta A.; Waichoka, James; Kamau, Joseph W.; Njenga, Peninah; Karanja, Rebecca; Mutunga, James; Kimani, Julius; Lagat, Mercy Jeptum; Ruto, David; Kipruto, Caroline; Mbuvi, M.T.E.; Mwadalu, Riziki; Mwamodenyi, James M.; Mwamodenyi, James M.
    The Cherangany Hills Forest is a vital ecological resource that provides essential ecosystem services — supporting livelihoods, maintaining biodiversity, and contributing to both regional and national economies. However, this ecosystem faces mounting pressures driven by an increasing human population and the expansion of agricultural land. Other significant threats include unsustainable resource extraction, climate change, habitat loss and degradation and the spread of invasive plant species. These challenges endanger the forest’s ability to continue providing critical goods and services to communities. This ecosystem service assessment was conducted to evaluate the current value of key ecosystem services and to explore how these values might change under two contrasting future scenarios: a business-as-usual trajectory and a restoration-focused pathway. These future scenarios were informed by a parallel study that identified and mapped degraded areas within the Cherangany Hills forests that require restoration. This comprehensive report is the result of a collaborative effort, drawing on diverse expertise to capture a broad spectrum of ecosystem service values. It covers water provisioning for domestic, livestock, agricultural and hydroelectric power generation purposes, alongside the tangible benefits of harvested wild goods, crop production, carbon sequestration and the cultural significance of the forest to local communities. The report demonstrates the essential role of the ecosystem in supporting both human well being in immediate landscape and even beyond. According to the study, the restoration scenario offers significant economic benefits at local, regional, and national levels alongside numerous environmental advantages. This report contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting the case for restoring this critical ecosystem. Moreover, the findings will guide key policy and planning processes including forest management planning, County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs), climate change strategies and other county and national-level policies. This work would not have been possible without the dedication of the research team; collaboration from project partners including Kenyatta University, Nature Kenya, Kenya Forest Research Institute, Kenya Forest Service and the National Museums of Kenya and the invaluable support of all stakeholders. We are confident that this report will inform decision-making, inspire restoration initiatives and contribute to securing the long-term resilience of the Cherangany Hills Forest.
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    Cherangany Hills Forest Restoration Opportunity Assessment and Mapping Report, 2025
    (Nature Kenya - the East Africa Natural History Society, 2025) Muoria, Paul K.; Karanja, Rebecca; Gacheru, Paul; Wabuyele, Emily; Ngaruiya, Grace; Kamau, Joseph; Amadi, Jacinter A.; Njenga, Peninah; Waichoka, James; Mbuvi, Musingo T.E.; Mutunga Joshua, James; Kimani, Julius; Lagat, Mercy; Mwamodenyi, James M.; Matiku, Paul
    The Cherangany Hills Forest ecosystem is one of Kenya’s most vital ecological landscapes, providing essential services, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining the livelihoods of bordering and downstream communities. However, the ecological integrity of this important ecosystem is threatened by deforestation, land degradation and climate change, among other challenges. This report is an outcome of a collaborative effort aimed at understanding the current state of the landscape and identifying practical, science-derived restoration opportunities. The report is organized into five chapters. Chapter 1 outlines the rationale and objectives of conducting the restoration opportunities assessment and mapping exercise for the Cherangany Hills Forest landscape. It also introduces the Restoration Opportunity Assessment Methodology (ROAM) that was used in this study. Chapter 2 presents a synthesis of the baseline conditions, identifies the key drivers of degradation, and reviews the institutional and policy frameworks that support forest restoration. In Chapter 3, the participatory assessment methods used in this study are presented, emphasizing the involvement of stakeholders. Chapter 4 highlights the key findings, including: • Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) changes from 1994 to 2023 and projections for future scenarios. • Areas identified for restoration. • Financial analyses of restoration efforts. • An evaluation of the impact of restoration on ecosystem services. • A summary of potential sources of funding for restoration efforts Chapter 5 present conclusions and actionable recommendations for stakeholders to drive the restoration process forward. Overall, this report provides a guiding framework for policymakers, conservationists, local communities, and other stakeholders to pursue targeted restoration interventions. Cherangany Hills Forest restoration journey is a shared responsibility among national and county governments, conservation agencies, local communities, and development partners. This report is a valuable resource for decision-making, supporting Kenya’s commitments to national and global environmental goals, including the Bonn Challenge, AFR100, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We extend our sincere gratitude to all stakeholders, researchers and community members who contributed their knowledge, time and insights to make this assessment a reality. We hope this report inspires action, innovation, and enduring partnerships for the restoration of Cherangany Hills Forest.