Every year on the 21st of March, we join the global community in celebrating International Day of Forests, and 2025 was no exception. This year’s theme, “Forests and Foods”, highlighted the vital role forests play in food security and underscored the growing urgency to protect and conserve them.

An IDF event is never complete without our young participants, and we were thrilled to host 194 children from various schools – Cheleta Primary, Huruma Hope Primary and Karura Forest Primary. To kick off the day, the pupils, their teachers alongside invited guests participated in planting over 4,300 tree seedlings – an important step in our ongoing effort to restore Karura Forest by replacing exotic trees with indigenous species. This initiative enhances the overall sustainability of the forest while providing essential food and shelter for its wildlife.

After a short, well-earned break, the visiting pupils then attended a brief talk on the importance of the theme for the day – Forests and Foods. With a focus on Karura forest, they explored the relationship between forests and human well-being, delving into important questions including how forests support food production, agriculture, water resources, natural medicine and livelihoods.

After an eventful day, we wrapped up the day with some outdoor activities and lunch before their departure back to their schools.

The enthusiasm of the children and staff during the tree planting phase was commendable, and we look forward to welcoming them back to check on the growth of the seedlings. As always, it was a pleasure hosting these bright, curious minds as we continue to inspire and nurture the new generation of conservationists!

On Tuesday 18th March 2025 we celebrated Global Recycling Day by hosting pupils from Ndururuno Junior School for an engaging and educational experience.

The pupils began the day by attending a brief lecture session in the KFEET auditorium where they learnt about recycling – what it is, why it is important, and its significance to global conservation efforts.

To reinforce their learning in a fun and creative way, the pupils participated in a hands-on, fun craft activity. Using recycled toilet paper rolls they designed and created unique pen holders, showcasing how we can repurpose waste into useful items. It was wonderful to witness their creativity in action during this activity. After their forest walk, the day concluded with some fun, engaging outdoor activities.

This event was a meaningful way to inspire young minds to take a front seat in environmental conservation through recycling and enhancing sustainability.

KFEET was delighted to participate in the annual celebration of wildlife conservation organized by Friends of Karura. This global event highlighted the importance of protecting wildlife and their natural habitats, and we were proud to be a part of it. During the event, we took part in the wildlife census of Karura Forest, applying transect sampling as part of our efforts to monitor and protect the diverse species that inhabit this vital ecosystem. The census provided valuable data on the health of the forest and its wildlife. This exercise brought together a variety of organizations, researchers, and individuals who are deeply passionate about wildlife conservation and dedicated to preserving our planet’s biodiversity for future generations.

We were honored to host the head teachers from Westlands sub-county to explain our education programs and explore the forest. It  wasn’t their usual routine of overseeing classrooms, managing timetables, or organizing school activities, instead it was a rare opportunity for reflection—a retreat to reconnect with  nature. The head teachers marveled at the diversity in the forest, how each tree, plant, and insect played a vital role in creating a balanced ecosystem. We hope we can host the children in their schools in the near future. 

The auditorium at the Karura Forest Education Center is truly breathtaking! As you step inside you’re immediately struck by its stunning design. The walls are adorned with vibrant murals reflecting the flora and fauna of this urban forest. Insects, butterflies, birds, monkeys, and lianas seem to come alive, beautifully painted to represent the rich diversity. These murals create an immersive experience, evoking the feeling of taking a walk through the forest itself.
Cascading waterfalls and lush green foliage add learning experience, bringing Karura’s biodiversity to life. It’s a testament to the beauty and richness of nature, all woven into the very fabric of the space. Truly, the Karura auditorium is a must-see gem!

The children from Kibathi School had an incredible time exploring the forest, where…