Friends of Oloolua Forest

Friends of Oloolua Forest (FoOF) is a passionate community of local residents and professionals working together to protect this treasured green space. Guided by a volunteer management committee, FoOF is rooted in a shared love for nature and a commitment to preserving Kenya’s natural heritage through care, collaboration, and sustainable stewardship.

Friends of Oloolua Forest Management Committee

Volunteer professional Kenyans and residents committed to environmental protection and sustainable use of Kenya’s natural resources.

  • Chairman – Mwai Wa Kihu
  • Vice Chairman – John Muratha Kinuthia 
  • Secretary – Tamsin Corcoran 
  • Vice-Secretary – Robyn Boyd
  • Treasurer – Camilla Pellizolli

 

Our Vision: A Protected Future

Imagine a thriving Oloolua Forest where:

  • Ancient trees grow undisturbed for future generations to marvel at.
  • Clean rivers flow freely, supporting both wildlife and communities.
  • Diverse wildlife populations flourish in protected habitats.
  • Local communities benefit economically from eco-tourism and sustainable forest management.
  • Children can experience the wonder of an intact indigenous forest just minutes from the city center.

This isn’t just a dream—it’s an achievable goal with your help.

How FoOF are Fighting Back

Community Mobilization

We’re building a coalition of local residents, environmental advocates, and concerned citizens who understand that protecting Oloolua Forest is protecting our future.

 

Sustainable Economic Development

We’re developing eco-tourism and educational programs that provide economic benefits to local communities while protecting the forest’s ecological integrity.

Conservation Action

Our teams work directly in the forest, removing illegal waste, monitoring wildlife, and preventing further encroachment through community-based conservation efforts.

 

Advocacy and Awareness

We’re raising awareness about the forest’s critical importance and advocating for stronger legal protections at local and national levels.

Rehabilitation

Supports the local Community Forest Association in conservation of the forest, its flora and fauna. Rehabilitation of denuded areas through tree planting projects and support of local community nurseries.

What FoOF have achieved so far!

  • Capacity Building Workshops
    Empowering the CFA Through Skills Training and Planning Initiatives
  • Independent Forest Management Plan
    Funding and Launching the Oloolua Forest Participatory Management Plan – Stages 1 & 2
  • Forest Fencing Proposal
    Supporting Forest Protection Through Independent Expert Consultation
  • GIS Mapping for Oloolua Forest
    Mapping Trails, Water Points, and Forest Use for Better Conservation
  • Community Scout Support
    Salaries, Uniforms, and Training for 12 Local Forest Scouts

  • Forest Clean-Up Campaigns
    Mobilizing Community Action to Keep Oloolua Forest Clean

  • Tree Planting & Rehabilitation
    Restoring the Forest Through Reforestation Projects

What Needs Immediate Attention: The Top 2 Issues

Court case against illegal land grabbing and encroachment of gazette forest. In early April 2024 Oloolua Forest faced its most serious threat yet: a potential land grab. Thanks to the swift action of FOOF and community members, we were able to thwart the attempted seizure of 66 acres bordering the Nuclear Regulatory Authority plot and the Institute of Primate Research facility. Had the Child Welfare Plan been successful, a staggering 25% of Oloolua Forest would have been forcibly removed from its protected status.

 

This is extremely important as it will set a president for all conservation areas, gazette forest, protected areas across the whole country…FoOF  has been  raising funding for 42 court cases 

Your donation will enable us to:

  1. Fund Legal Action: Your contribution will support legal proceedings to protect Oloolua Forest from unlawful encroachment.

     

  2. Raise Awareness: We will amplify our message to garner public support and increase awareness about the importance of preserving Oloolua Forest.

     

  3. Support Fund raising for the Fence: Your financial support will aid in raising funds to fence the 618-hectares of the entire forest block of Oloolua Forest , which will arrest any further threats, bring back connectivity  and mitigate further fragmentation.

Together, we can ensure that Oloolua Forest remains a sanctuary for wildlife, a haven for biodiversity, and a source of clean air and water for our communities. Please donate today and stand with us in safeguarding Oloolua Forest for future generations.

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“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

Chinese proverb