Kirisia Forest | Kirisia Community Forest Association

Kenya’s Green Heart in the Highlands of Samburu

The Kirisia Forest, locally known as Leroghi, spans over 91,944 hectares in Samburu County, making it one of Kenya’s oldest and most vital indigenous forests. Gazetted in 1933, it forms part of the Leroghi Plateau — a crucial water tower, carbon sink, and biodiversity haven.

Kirisia is home to 37 species of mammals, 327 bird species, and over 450 plant varieties. The forest sustains pastoralist communities with rivers, grazing land, and sacred cultural sites, while also storing significant carbon that supports climate resilience across northern Kenya.

The Kirisia Community Forest Association (CFA) works with local people, the Kenya Forest Service, and partners like FAO to conserve this ecosystem through reforestation, fire prevention, and community education.

91,944 Ha

of Indigenous
Forest

1933

Year Gazetted as a
Forest Reserve

37+

Mammal
Species

327+

Bird
Species

Our Ecological Mission

The Kirisia Forest, one of Kenya’s oldest gazetted forests, serves as a critical water tower, carbon sink, and biodiversity refuge in Samburu County. Its mission is not written in words, but in its role: providing water, sustaining wildlife, and supporting livelihoods for thousands of people across northern Kenya.

Our Long-Term Vision

A thriving, restored, and protected indigenous forest ecosystem that sustains biodiversity, preserves cultural heritage, and ensures climate resilience for future generations of Samburu and Kenya.

Why Kirisia Forest Matters

Beyond being a forest, Kirisia is a lifeline. Its rivers supply water to surrounding lowlands, its canopy shelters unique wildlife, and its soils store carbon critical for combating climate change. Protecting Kirisia means protecting people, wildlife, and culture together.

Source of seasonal rivers and groundwater

Home to 450+ plant species

Habitat for 37 mammals and 327 bird species

Supports local Samburu pastoralist livelihoods

Protected by KFS & CFA

Kenya Forest Service & Kirisia CFA

Voices from Kirisia Forest

Thuku karioki.

Journalist from Othaya, Nyeri

“Even when my voice took off, I had to do what I do best. Apart from my dad's farm in Othaya, Kirisia Forest is the next most successful tree planting and growing for MGV. Asante Kirisia! ”

Naisula L.

Community Member, Baawa

“Since the conservation program began, our rivers have started flowing again. Kirisia is our lifeline — for our livestock, our children, and our culture.”

FAO Kenya

Conservation Partner

“Kirisia is one of Kenya’s most important water towers. Working with the CFA has shown the power of community-led conservation in protecting biodiversity and building climate resilience.”

Lemayan K.

Youth Volunteer, Kirisia CFA

“As young people, we are proud to take part in tree planting. Restoring Kirisia means restoring our future.”

Kirisia CFA Team

Douglas Leboyare

Chairman, Kirisia CFA

Olivia Johnson

Vice Chairman

Ethan Brown

Organizing Secretary

Protect Kirisia, Protect Our Future

Join hands to restore Kirisia Forest and safeguard water, wildlife, and livelihoods for generations.

Partners Protecting Kirisia Forest

Kirisia Forest thrives through collaboration. Conservation partners — from government agencies to local communities and global NGOs — are uniting to restore degraded areas, conserve biodiversity, and secure sustainable livelihoods for Samburu County.

Meet Our Partners

Learn More About Kirisia Forest

Discover answers to the most common questions about Kirisia Forest’s conservation, community involvement, and how you can help protect this vital ecosystem.