The Government has intensified efforts to restore degraded mangrove ecosystems along the Coast as part of the national campaign to plant 15 billion trees by 2032.
Speaking during a mangrove planting exercise at Miritini in Mombasa County, the Conservation Secretary, the State Department for Wildlife, Dr. John Chumo, said the initiative aims to boost Kenya’s forest cover from below the constitutional threshold of 10 percent to at least 30 percent.
“We are here to restore critical habitats, particularly mangrove ecosystems, which play a vital role in environmental conservation. As a country, we must increase our forest cover, and mangroves are central to achieving this goal,” said Chumo.
He noted that mangroves are more efficient in carbon sequestration compared to terrestrial forests.
“If you compare one square meter of mangrove to terrestrial forest, mangroves absorb up to five times more carbon. This makes them key in mitigating climate change,” he explained.
Chumo added that mangroves also act as natural water purifiers and help reduce soil erosion by slowing down water flow before it reaches the ocean.
Additionally, he emphasized that mangrove forests serve as breeding and nursery grounds for over 1,500 species, including fish and crustaceans, making them essential for marine biodiversity.
The government plans to plant at least 10,000 mangrove seedlings in the area during the current phase, with more planting exercises expected in the future.
Mombasa County Forest Conservator, Bernard Wahome, said about 40 percent of the county’s 423.15 hectares of forest cover is degraded, underscoring the need for urgent restoration.
“It is our duty to rehabilitate these degraded areas. Mangroves sequester carbon up to four times more than terrestrial forests, so restoring them has significant environmental benefits,” said Wahome.
He added that the programme is also promoting nature-based enterprises such as beekeeping, fish farming, and ecotourism to reduce pressure on forests while improving community livelihoods.
Wahome identified illegal mangrove harvesting and illicit local brew activities as key threats, but noted that authorities are addressing them through a multi-agency, approach involving security teams and local communities.
Community Forest Associations (CFAs), have been instrumental in conservation efforts.
John Nyamwaya, a representative of the Mombasa Kilindini Community Forest Association, said the group works closely with the Kenya Forest Service to protect mangroves across key areas, including Tudor Creek, Port Reitz Creek, and Mtwapa Creek.
“We patrol these forests and report any illegal activities. Currently, mangrove harvesting is not allowed in Mombasa, and anyone found cutting them illegally is reported to authorities and prosecuted according to the law,” said Nyamwaya.
He added that the Association is also involved in reforestation by planting seedlings in degraded areas and running income-generating activities.
“We sell mangrove seedlings and run fishponds to support our livelihoods. In the future, we plan to introduce beekeeping once the forest is fully restored,” he said.
Nyamwaya noted that fish stocks had declined over time, prompting the community to establish fishponds to supplement natural supply.
Women and youth groups are also playing a key role in conservation.
Mariam Omar Mohamed, a member of a local community group, said they have organized themselves into groups to run mangrove nurseries and support forest protection.
“As women, men, and youth, we work together in groups to raise mangrove seedlings. This gives us income and helps support our families,” she said.
She emphasized the importance of mangroves in sustaining marine life.
“Mangroves are breeding grounds for fish. If we take care of them, we are assured of better fish harvests, which improves our livelihoods,” she added.
Mariam noted that community vigilance has significantly reduced illegal logging.
“We report anyone destroying mangroves to forest officers, and this has helped reduce illegal activities,” she said.
She added that selling seedlings provides direct income to the groups.
“A single seedling goes for about Sh100, which helps us earn money to support our households, including paying school fees,” she said.
The restoration initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, county governments, and local communities, covering the coastal stretch from Kwale to Lamu.
Officials say the integrated approach linking conservation with economic empowerment is key to ensuring long-term sustainability of mangrove ecosystems and improving livelihoods for coastal communities.
By Chari Suche
