The challenges of private sector engagement in forest landscape and ecosystem restoration in Kenya The case of Makueni and Elgeyo Marakwet Counties

Private sector participation in forest landscape restoration is critical for sustainable development. Even though the role of the private sector in landscape restoration is still evolving, the existing theoretical models indicate that involving the private sector effectively in forest restoration drives financial, technological, and innovative solutions, forging a collaborative approach that benefits both forest ecosystems and businesses. Although Kenya has made strides in ensuring private sector participation in local forest restoration, private sector participation is still inadequate even though there is interest in landscape restoration. This paper aims to explore the current status of private sector engagement in forest restoration to identify the key challenges facing private actors by examining the cases of Elgeyo Marakwet and Makueni Counties in Kenya. The intention was to enhance participation by devising strategies for sustainable participation practices. Based on the case study approach, involving literature review and textual analysis of key documents and county-specific County Integrated Development plans retrieved from official online sources, the results revealed that Elgeyo Marakwet and Makueni counties have distinct statuses and challenges affecting private sector participation. In Makueni County, private sector involvement in landscape restoration is centered on agroforestry, silvopastoral, and plantation forests, comprising 95% of available options. The focus is on enhancing rangeland resilience against climate-induced drought in targeted project wards, with the TWENDE Project collaborating with various private sector partners. Even though limited information on incentives exists, WRI, backed by the Mastercard Foundation, funded the planting of 1,200,000 seedlings. In Elgeyo Marakwet, the United Nations Development Programme leads private sector engagement, aiming to increase forest cover. Challenges include invasive species, population pressure, limited youth participation, legal framework gaps, and unclear incentives. These results imply the need for a collaborative and well-coordinated approach to restoration, policy reviews, and conducting a total economic valuation of forest landscapes to sustain private sector interest and engagement in the restoration efforts.