The Mau Conservation Marathon
A Race with a Purpose Rather than a typical road race, the Mau Conservation Marathon is an embodiment of purpose, an event where every stride is tied to the health…
The Mau Forest Complex (MFC) is Kenya’s largest afro-montane forest – the beating heart of East Africa’s water systems. Yet this vital ecosystem faces severe threats from degradation, deforestation, and unsustainable land use.
The MFC-ICLIP is a bold 10-year, multi-stakeholder programme uniting government, private sector, development partners, NGOs, and local communities to restore ecosystems, strengthen climate resilience, and create green jobs.
To restore and sustainably manage the Mau Forest Complex by promoting ecosystem resilience, green livelihoods, and inclusive, community-driven conservation.
A restored and climate-resilient Mau Forest Complex that secures ecosystem services while providing green jobs and enhancing livelihoods.
Sustainability
Integrity .
Collaboration .
Innovation
Equity . Stewardship
Covering over 403,000 hectares, the Mau Forest Complex stands as the largest water tower in Kenya and the wider East African region. It is the source of 12 major rivers that sustain vital ecosystems, including Lake Victoria, Lake Nakuru, and the Maasai Mara – Serengeti landscape.
However, this lifeline faces growing threats from illegal logging and charcoal production, encroachment and unsustainable agricultural practices, forest fires and overgrazing, and weak governance and enforcement mechanisms.
These pressures have led to significant forest loss, declining water flows, and the disruption of critical habitats, threatening biodiversity, water security, and the livelihoods of surrounding communities. Urgent and coordinated restoration efforts are therefore essential to safeguard the Mau Forest Complex for future generations.
The MFC-ICLIP is a 10-year collaborative programme dedicated to restoring the Mau Forest Complex, enhancing community livelihoods, and building climate resilience. It integrates conservation, innovation, and sustainable development to create lasting impact for people, nature, and the economy.
This component focuses on restoring degraded forests, wetlands, and riparian zones to enhance ecosystem health and water security.
This component empowers communities to develop nature-positive enterprises like beekeeping, avocado, dairy, & pyrethrum farming for sustainable income generation.
This component promotes environmental education, supports Mazingira clubs, and funds research and innovation to strengthen forest restoration and climate resilience.
This component strengthens stakeholder coordination through partnerships, policy frameworks, and a robust MEL system to track progress and ensure transparency.
This component promotes waste reduction through awareness campaigns, recycling initiatives, and youth-led innovation, inspiring schools and communities to champion resource efficiency, circular economy, and environmental responsibility.
Be part of the historic effort to restore Kenya’s largest water tower – the Mau Forest Complex, a lifeline for millions of people, wildlife, and ecosystems across East Africa. By joining hands with the Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme (MFC-ICLIP), you’re not just planting trees – you’re rebuilding watersheds, protecting biodiversity, empowering local communities, and ensuring clean water for generations to come.
