The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) on Tuesday morning opened a resource center worth Sh 75million at its headquarters in Karura area in Nairobi.
The resource center was constructed by KFS through the GreenZones Development Support Project Phase II (GZDSP II) with funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The GZD SP was an initiative between the KFS and the AfDB aimed at rehabilitating degraded forests, expansion of tree cover as well as supporting livelihoods. The GZD SP Phase II commenced in 2019 and ended on 30th June, 2026.
During the event, KFS chief conservator Alex Lemarkoko said that the KFS Resource Centre will be a strategic investment in the future of the Service and a critical pillar in building a knowledge-driven, innovative, and high-performing institution.
He added that, “The facility will enhance staff development, improve operational efficiency, strengthen evidence-based decision-making, and provide an enabling environment for collaboration, capacity building, research, innovation, and professional training as KFS continues to implement its mandate in forest conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of Kenya’s forest resources”.
Some of the regions where the GZD SP program concentrated much were forests within Mt Kenya ecosystems like Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Tharaka-Nithi and Nyeri. Others are Aberdare ecosystem with forests in Nyandarua, Nyeri, Muranga and Kiambu.
Others in Mau complex with forests in Nakuru, Narok, Baringo, Kericho and Bomet counties while in Western ad Nyanza regions covering Kisii and Nyamira while in Lower land areas covers forests in Machakos county.
Owing to the impact the resource center is aimed at, the KFS held a staff breakfast after the opening, with its chief guest being the Africa Inland Church presiding Bishop Dr Abraham Mulwa.
Mulwa applauded the KFS management for demonstrating visionary leadership by investing in both institutional capacity and the spiritual well-being of its staff.
The chief guest noted that modern public institutions cannot achieve sustainable impact through infrastructure and technical expertise alone, but must also nurture integrity, compassion, accountability, and servant leadership among their employees.
“Resource Centre symbolises KFS’s commitment to creating a culture of learning, innovation, and excellence, while the Staff Prayer Breakfast reflected a recognition that spiritual nourishment is essential in building resilient, ethical, and motivated public servants capable of serving the nation with dedication and honor.” Dr Mulwa said.
The cleric also revealed that the Africa Inland Church’s acceptance to serve as the mainstream church supporting the KFS Chaplaincy Programme in matters of faith, spiritual guidance, pastoral care, and chaplaincy development.
The partnership is expected to strengthen staff counseling, moral leadership, mentorship, and the overall spiritual welfare of KFS employees across the country.
The Staff Prayer Breakfast provided an opportunity for collective prayer, encouragement, and fellowship, reinforcing the role of chaplaincy in promoting integrity, mental wellness, unity, hope, and a positive workplace culture within the Service.
The event brought together KFS staff, chaplains, and invited guests for a morning of thanksgiving, reflection, and dedication.
