Conservation - Big3Africa.org

Kenya Busts Ant-Smuggling Ring, Exposing New Threat to Biodiversity

Correspondent March 13, 2026

Kenyan authorities arrested a suspect at Nairobi's JKIA after discovering more than 2,000 live queen ants hidden in luggage. The insects, identified as the giant African harvester ant (Messor cephalotes), are vital to ecosystem health through seed dispersal and soil aeration. Experts warn that the case highlights a growing global trade in exotic insects that could pose new threats to biodiversity.

Conservation

Red Flags Over Karura Forest Tree Clearing and Government Explanations

Peter Ngare March 10, 2026

Conflicting explanations from Environment CS Deborah Barasa and the Kenya Forest Service over tree clearing in Karura Forest have triggered alarm among conservationists and community groups about transparency and adherence to the forest’s management plan.

Conservation

Upper Tana Water Fund Marks 10 Years

Neville Ng'ambwa March 9, 2026

Kenya marks a decade of the Upper Tana Water Fund, highlighting how nature-based solutions and public-private partnerships are protecting water sources and strengthening climate resilience.

Conservation

Mau Forest Complex Restoration Gathers Pace as 1.2 Million Seedlings Planted

Dan Kaburu February 26, 2026

Kenya has planted over 1.2 million seedlings across 1,200 hectares of the Mau Forest Complex under a new restoration drive targeting 3,300 hectares during the March–May long rains. The programme integrates conservation with climate-smart livelihoods to secure water sources that sustain major regional rivers and lakes.

Conservation

How Planting Right Trees in Right Places can Help Kenya Tackle Rising Heat

Peter Ngare February 20, 2026

As Nairobi swelters under intensifying January–February heat, scientists say the right trees planted in the right places could cool city streets by up to 12°C. But urban forestry is not just about numbers — it is about smart planning, indigenous species, and ensuring low-income neighborhoods benefit equally.

Conservation

Kenya Launches Plastic Circular Investment Drive

Peter Ngare February 19, 2026

Kenya has launched a Plastic Circular Investment Initiative under the Kenya National Plastics Action Partnership to tackle rising urban plastic waste and unlock green financing. The platform brings together government, industry and recyclers to redesign plastic production, strengthen recycling systems and integrate informal waste pickers into formal value chains, supporting climate action and sustainable growth.

Conservation

Women Restore Jomvu Creek Through Sustainable Crab Farming

Correspondent February 17, 2026

In Kenya’s Jomvu Creek, a group of women is transforming livelihoods and restoring fragile mangrove ecosystems through sustainable mud crab farming. By linking aquaculture to conservation, they are rebuilding both incomes and coastal resilience. Their work proves that environmental stewardship and economic empowerment can thrive together.

Conservation

Kenya Launches 10-Year Strategy to Reclaim Land from Toxic Mathenge Weed

Big3Africa Desk February 16, 2026

Kenya has launched its first-ever 10-year National Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2035) to combat the invasive Prosopis juliflora, commonly known as the Mathenge weed. Covering 2 million hectares across 22 counties, this systematic blueprint aims to reclaim grazing lands, restore waterways, and transform the toxic weed from a threat to a sustainable resource for local communities.

Conservation

Sea Turtle Rescues Transform Conservation in Watamu Kenya

Correspondent February 13, 2026

In Watamu, 26-year-old Teresia Njeri is helping lead a new era of community-driven sea turtle conservation. Through rescue hotlines, rehabilitation efforts, and local education programs, fishermen and conservationists are working together to protect endangered marine life and strengthen Kenya’s Blue Economy.

Conservation Tech & Energy

Nairobi Waste to Energy Transformation

Neville Ng'ambwa February 10, 2026

Nairobi is turning garbage into gold! 🇰🇪 Under the leadership of Governor Johnson Sakaja and CECM Maureen Njeri, the city is launching a major Waste-to-Energy project in Dandora projected to produce 70MW.