The Strengthening Forest Management for Improved Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Resilience in the Southern Rangelands of Kenya Project (SFM Drylands) is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) with USD 5.35 million and USD 13 million in co-financing. Implemented in Kajiado and Narok counties, the project seeks to restore degraded forests and rangelands, conserve biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience and improve pastoral communities' livelihoods. The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is the executing agency, while the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the implementing agency, working with the State Department for Environment and Climate Change, county governments and other partners.
The project targets 600,000 hectares under improved landscape management, restoration of 1,750 hectares of degraded land and 200,000 direct beneficiaries. As of February 2026, approximately 552,948 hectares had been brought under improved management, while 139 hectares had undergone physical restoration. Additional achievements include strengthening County Environment Committees, training community members, supporting tree nurseries and beekeeping, installing school rainwater harvesting systems and training community scouts to manage human–wildlife conflict. These interventions promote sustainable natural resource management and community resilience.
