President William Ruto in company of Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and other leaders on Monday October 27 launched a Programme aimed at restoration of Mau Complex.
The Project is dubbed ‘Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme and was launched at Baringo Secondary School in Gacharage, Kuresoi North Constituency of Nakuru County.
The initiative seeks to restore 33,000 hectares of degraded forest in West Mau while supporting community livelihoods through agroforestry, eco-tourism and other climate-smart activities.
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has adopted 25 hectares for rehabilitation as part of plan to restore 60,000 hectares of forest cover by 2030.
Speaking during the event, she affirmed that the county is enhancing environmental monitoring, improving waste management, and involving youth in green jobs to reduce pressure on forest resources.
During the event, President Ruto also launched the Sh2.6 billion Last Mile Electricity Connectivity Programme targeting 22,568 households, and unveiled seedlings for avocado, tea and pyrethrum, milk coolers, beehives and potato seeds to strengthen agricultural value chains.
He further announced plans to construct more than 230 kilometres of roads across Nakuru County, including key roads in Kuresoi North, and highlighted an ongoing Sh28 billion investment in affordable housing and modern markets. Governor Kihika outlined development gains in the region including Sh29 million in bursaries for 6,397 learners, 13 new ECDE classrooms, expansion of Vocational Training Centres, construction of a Level 4 Hospital at Kiptororo, reopening of Githima Dispensary, and deployment of 239 Community Health Promoters.
The county is also supporting farmers with seedlings, livestock vaccination, fertilizer distribution and tea buying centres, while improving market infrastructure, water access, and small-business financing. Governor Kihika said the programme marks a turning point for Mau restoration, adding that conservation must support livelihoods and secure a sustainable future.
The event was graced by Cabinet Secretaries Deborah Barasa and Lee Kinyanjui, Principal Secretary Eng. Festus Ng’eno, Deputy Governor David Kones, lawmakers, county officials and MCAs.