Training by CIFOR-ICRAF at KEFRI – Marigat, Baringo County.

From Seed Sourcing to Sapling, equipping our nursery operators for restoration success. Effective restoration begins at the nursery. That’s why we were honoured to be invited by CIFOR-ICRAF and its partners to a hands-on training held at KEFRI – Marigat, where our nursery operators gained critical skills to strengthen the backbone of our restoration work.

The training focused on four essential areas: seed sourcing, propagation techniques, disease management, and sustainable nursery practices. For our team, this was more than just capacity building; it was a chance to deepen their understanding of the science behind successful restoration and learn from fellow practitioners across the region. From identifying viable seeds in the wild to mastering low-cost, climate-smart propagation methods, our nursery operators returned with practical knowledge that will directly enhance their daily operations.

“Now we see even small things, like cleaning tools or picking the right tree for seeds can really affect if the seedling grows or dies,” said Nathan our Nurseries manager

As the urgency to restore degraded landscapes grows, the need for resilient, high-quality seedlings has never been greater. With improved skills in pest and disease control, our nursery teams are now better prepared to produce robust seedlings capable of withstanding the tough terrains and unpredictable conditions of our restoration sites.

This training reflects the importance of community-level investment in technical expertise. We know that better nurseries lead to better outcomes, higher seedling survival rates, healthier ecosystems, and greater long-term impact.

At Save Kenya Water Towers, we remain committed to supporting the people behind the plants—those who nurture Kenya’s future forests, one seedling at a time. Because true restoration starts at the root.