In a world where forests are disappearing faster than they can regenerate, hiking is emerging as an unexpected ally in the fight for conservation. In Makueni County, the Makueni Hiking Club (MHC) has turned outdoor recreation into a tool for environmental awareness, restoration, and community empowerment. Through activities centered around Kivale Forest, the club demonstrates how adventure can go hand in hand with responsibility.
This approach — often called eco-hiking — redefines what it means to explore nature. Every trail walked, every tree planted, and every bag of litter collected contributes to a larger goal: safeguarding Makueni’s natural heritage for future generations.
The State of Kivale Forest
Like many forested areas in Kenya, Kivale faces threats from deforestation, illegal logging, and unsustainable land use. For years, uncontrolled grazing and firewood collection eroded parts of the forest floor. Streams that once ran clear became seasonal, and wildlife sightings grew rarer.
Recognizing these challenges, Makueni Hiking Club decided to act — not through speeches or campaigns alone, but through action on the ground. The club now integrates tree planting drives, trail clean-ups, and environmental education sessions into every organized event.
Conservation Through Adventure
The idea is simple yet powerful: when people experience nature firsthand, they’re more likely to protect it. Hikers who climb Kivale’s ridges or rest beside its streams develop a personal connection with the land. That connection turns into responsibility — a willingness to conserve and advocate.
During the Kivale Forest Adventure Hike, for instance, participants not only trek through scenic landscapes but also plant indigenous trees such as Croton, Terminalia, and Acacia species. Each tree is tagged and monitored by club volunteers to ensure survival. Over time, these micro-efforts accumulate into measurable environmental gains.
Educating the Next Generation
The club’s conservation model extends beyond adult hikers. School-based eco-hikes invite students from local institutions to learn about flora, fauna, and sustainable practices. These excursions encourage curiosity and environmental literacy at an early age.
By partnering with schools and youth groups, the club builds future guardians of the forest — young people who understand that conservation isn’t an abstract concept, but a daily practice.
Community Participation
Conservation only succeeds when local communities benefit from it. The club ensures that residents around Kivale Forest are part of every initiative. Locals serve as guides, porters, tree nursery managers, and cultural ambassadors. This collaboration turns conservation into a source of income and pride.
By linking eco-tourism with livelihood creation, the Makueni Hiking Club transforms environmental protection from a challenge into an opportunity.
A Legacy of Green
The club envisions a future where Makueni County becomes a model for sustainable tourism in Kenya — where hiking trails double as conservation corridors and where every visitor leaves the environment better than they found it.
