How elders restored Kirisia Forest using soft power

Pastoralists from Kirisia Forest in Samburu county. [Standard]

Haven fresh air. Towering green trees stand side by side majestically with a bewitching canopy. Healthy-looking cows grazing peacefully along the impressively green grass. Streams of fresh water flowing calmly. This is the soothing atmosphere that welcomes you to the 92,000ha Kirisia Forest in Samburu County.

The landscape of Samburu is mostly arid and semi-arid, dotted with indigenous forests and woodlands on hilltops and plateaus. But the Kirisia Forest's allure is a stark difference from the rest of the county which like other Asals counties is dotted with dying vegetation, and parched and barren land courtesy of the drought linked to climate change. But things have not always been this good in Kirisia Forest which is the only source of reliable water for the nearly 150,000 people living in the area, a rich array of wildlife, including elephants, zebras, and Masai giraffes.