Decades of overexploitation and unsustainable practices are threatening Kenya’s native trees. Losing even a single tree species can trigger a dangerous chain reaction of ecosystem collapse: forests are more vulnerable to fire and disease, habitats shrink, countless wildlife and microorganisms are pushed to extinction and tree-dependent communities are plunged into crisis.

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That’s why we’re working across Kenya to conserve and protect threatened trees and ensure they don’t disappear. Here are a few of the species we’re prioritising at our projects in Kobujoi Forest, Nandi County.

African cherry, Prunus africana

The African cherry tree is a giant of montane forests. It is an evergreen that can grow up to 40 metres with impressive spreading crowns. Its bark is used in medicines for certain prostate conditions. In many communities, the tree is also traditionally believed to support reproductive health especially in women.

The tree produces small, bittersweet fruits that turn red when ripe, which are a critical food source for birds, monkeys and other wildlife.

Demand for the African cherry’s bark has led to years of unsustainable harvesting, pushing it to endangerment in the wild. Loss of this species would mean the disappearance of an important medicinal resource and reduced food availability for wildlife that depend on its fruits.

East African greenheart, Warburgia ugandensis

The East African greenheart grows up to 30 meters tall, with a straight trunk and has glossy, dark green leaves which, like all part of the tree have a hot, peppery taste.

For generations, the East African greenheart’s bark, roots and leaves have been used in traditional medicine to treat coughs, malaria, stomach pain and toothache. Heavy harvesting has driven steep declines. In one our recent survey near Kobujoi Forest, we only found two mature mother trees from which we could collect seeds.

Meru oak, Vitex keniensis

The Meru oak is endemic to Kenya. Prized for its fast-growing, strong and beautiful hardwood, it has long been used for furniture, construction and even traditional beehives. But that same value has led to overharvesting, leaving far fewer of these giants standing.

Meru oak helps form the upper layers of the forest, casting shade, creating shelter and offering nesting sites for birds high above the forest floor. Without it, forests become poorer in structure, wildlife loses vital habitat and the rich complexity of the ecosystem begins to thin.

Kenyan aralia, Polyscias kikuyensis

The Kenyan aralia is an unsung hero of the forest. It’s not the most famous tree, but it has a distinct candelabra-like crown. It is often found in wet upland forests and valleys. It is a fast-growing pioneer species that helps forest regeneration and helps water catchment, safeguarding rivers.

Its canopy offers cooling shade; the Kenyan aralia is often found in coffee and tea plantations, where it improves soil health and increase yields.

Restoring natural ecosystems

These indigenous species are critical for both people and nature. Their fruits and leaves feed birds and wildlife. Their branches and canopies create nesting places and safe habitat. Their bar and leaves have supported traditional medicine for generations. Some hold deep cultural meaning in rituals and community traditions. Others help sustain livelihoods through honey production, agroforestry and carefully managed timber. Together, they also restore damaged land, protect water sources and help communities adapt to a changing climate.

Through collaboration with community scouts, forest managers and local communities, we are helping to conserve these valuable species by identifying mother trees, collecting seeds, raising seedlings and restoring these species within their natural ecosystems.

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