Kenya has unveiled a new 14.2 kilometer electric fence around the Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary Block to bolster its climate action efforts and protect vital green space within its capital.
The KSh160 million project, a collaboration between the I&M Bank Foundation and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), marks a critical step in safeguarding Nairobi’s ecological heritage and supporting the nation’s ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, emphasised the importance of collective action in ecosystem restoration.
“The Ministry is keen on leveraging both multilateral and bilateral partnerships with the private sector to achieve Kenya’s climate action, anchored in the 15 billion Tree Growing flagship project,” he stated.
This initiative, championed by President William Ruto, aims to reduce greenhouse emissions, reverse deforestation, and restore 5.1 million hectares of degraded landscapes by 2032 as part of the African Landscape Restoration Initiative.
The newly constructed electric fence encloses the 695.3-hectare Sanctuary Block of Ngong Road Forest, a vital green lung for Nairobi. This safeguard is designed to protect biodiversity, promote natural regeneration, and ensure controlled, sustainable access for both local communities and visitors.
This controlled access will involve designated entry points and guided tours to minimise ecological impact. The forest, gazetted in 1932 and designated a Central Government Forest Reserve in 1964, spans 1,224.4 hectares and features a unique mix of shrubs, grasslands, and eucalyptus plantations.
According to KFS, the fence will play a critical role in protecting the fragile ecosystems within the Sanctuary Block, which has been a focal point for conservation efforts due to its rich biodiversity and strategic location.
The event saw participation from various stakeholders, including representatives from the I&M Bank Foundation, KFS, local community groups, and environmental NGOs. Attendees, including military personnel and government officials, gathered to witness the unveiling of a commemorative plaque marking the completion of the project’s first phase.
The I&M Bank Foundation’s partnership with KFS highlights the growing role of private-sector collaboration in environmental stewardship. The project, which began construction in late 2024, was completed ahead of its April 2025 deadline, demonstrating the effectiveness of such partnerships in accelerating conservation initiatives.
“This project is a crucial step toward meeting our national forest conservation targets and ensuring that Ngong Road Forest continues to thrive for generations to come, providing essential ecosystem services and recreational space,” a KFS statement noted.
This project not only protects a critical ecosystem but also aims to serve as a model for future conservation efforts, ensuring that Kenya’s natural resources remain a cornerstone of its biodiversity and sustainable economic transformation for generations to come. The long-term ecological benefits are expected to include increased wildlife populations and improved water catchment areas.
The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry is mandate to promote low-carbon technologies, protect strategic water towers, and support re-afforestation and agro-forestry initiatives.
The Ngong Road Forest Sanctuary fence is part of a broader strategy to enhance environmental governance and ensure the sustainable management of Kenya’s forest ecosystems. Other plans include similar fencing projects for other vulnerable forest areas.
