OUR MISSION

One year after our first visit to the Kakamega Rainforest biodiversity project, what once seemed an ambitious effort to control invasive guava and restore indigenous species has already yielded extraordinary results. Travelling from Kisumu into the forest with our dedicated project leader Mark Nicholson, we returned to measure the trees planted between January 2025 and January 2026, cautiously hopeful yet mindful of how difficult tree establishment can be. To our immense joy, every tree was present and thriving, with remarkable growth that transformed cleared plots into the beginnings of a true forest.

Rare indigenous species such as Cordia millenii, once under severe pressure from overharvesting and poor natural regeneration, are now taking hold again, alongside hundreds of other native species essential to both ecosystem health and local livelihoods. This progress has been achieved despite immense challenges: invasive guava must be removed painstakingly by hand, without chainsaws, and persistent regrowth demands constant vigilance from a committed team who work in harsh conditions among dense undergrowth and wildlife hazards. Their dedication has restored biodiversity to areas once stripped of all understory and ecological richness, creating protected enclosures where native trees can flourish

This project stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of nature when given the chance, and to the tireless efforts of those on the ground who believe in its future. Restoring Kakamega’s indigenous canopy is not only vital for preserving its extraordinary biodiversity, but also for supporting sustainable livelihoods and ensuring that the forest can provide ecological, social, and economic value for generations to come. With continued support, even modest contributions can help expand this restoration, proving that meaningful, lasting change begins one tree and one committed community at a time.