Paul Arithi 
From Left, Head of I&M Foundation, Dorine Nalo, I&M Bank Group East Africa regional CEO Kihara Maina and Furaha and Baraka CEO Daniel Mwero signing the MoU at Mwamdudu Beach.
- I&M Foundation Partners with Furaha & Baraka Farms to Advance Mangrove Restoration & Community Empowerment in Kwale County;
I&M Foundation has entered into a strategic partnership with Furaha & Baraka Farms (FBF) to support the restoration of critical mangrove ecosystems in Kwale County,reinforcing a shared commitment to nature-based climate solutions,environmental sustainability,and community development.
The partnership builds on an ongoing mangrove restoration programme implemented by Furaha & Baraka Farms in collaboration with the Mwatsumbo Community Forest Association (CFA) and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS).
By combining community leadership, conservation expertise and strategic financial support, the partnership aims to accelerate the restoration of degraded coastal ecosystems while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Between June and December 2025, the restoration programme successfully established 678,500 mangrove seedlings across approximately 70 hectares within the Mwache Block in Kwale County.
Independent field monitoring conducted in May 2026 confirmed that approximately 624,503 trees are surviving, translating to a 92% survival rate, demonstrating strong establishment rates and the long-term success of the restoration effort.
Building on this momentum, an additional 1 million mangrove seedlings were planted between January and July 2026,significantly expanding the scale of restoration and reinforcing ongoing efforts to restore and protect Kenya’s coastal ecosystems.
Through this partnership,I&M Foundation has further committed to supporting the planting of an additional 1,563,000 mangroves by the end of 2026,significantly accelerating restoration efforts and expanding the environmental and socio-economic benefits generated for coastal communities.
Speaking during the partnership signing ceremony,The Head of I&M Foundation Dorine Nalo said, “At I&M Foundation, we believe that lasting impact is achieved by investing in locally led solutions that address real community needs.
We recognize the importance of protecting natural ecosystems while creating opportunities for communities to thrive.
Through this partnership with Furaha & Baraka Farms,we are supporting a project that delivers measurable environmental impact, strengthens climate resilience and creates sustainable livelihoods for local communities.”
Mangrove forests are among the world’s most valuable ecosystems,protecting coastlines from erosion, supporting marine biodiversity, sustaining fisheries and capturing significant amounts of carbon.
Their restoration plays a critical role in strengthening climate resilience while supporting Kenya’s broader environmental and sustainable development goals.
Daniel Mwero the Founder & Executive Director said:
“Healthy ecosystems and thriving communities go hand in hand.This partnership enables us to build on the progress already achieved by working alongside local communities and conservation partners to restore Kenya’s coastal mangrove forests.
Together,we are demonstrating how nature-based solutions can advance the Sustainable Development Goals,particularly Climate Action,Life Below Water,Life on Land,and Decent Work and Economic Growth.
Our model is built on the principles of a circular economy, ensuring that the value generated through ecosystem restoration flows back to local communities through direct employment, skills development,and livelihood opportunities.
The partnership reflects a shared vision of conservation that delivers lasting value for both people and the planet.
By bringing together the expertise of communities,conservation practitioners,government agencies and strategic funding partners,the initiative provides a scalable model for restoring Kenya’s natural ecosystems while strengthening livelihoods and building resilience to climate change.
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