CIFOR-ICRAF has had a presence in Kenya since 1978, with Nairobi serving as one of two headquarters. Over the years, we have built partnerships and work closely with government ministries and agencies, county governments, academia, research institutions, development partners and civil society organisations. Our research and development work focuses on generating evidence-based solutions and analysis to inform national policies, plans and strategies on agroforestry, forestry and climate change, including current work to develop the National Agroforestry Strategy. 

Major research areas include food and nutrition security, water management in agricultural systems to cushion against recuring floods and droughts, soil fertility, agricultural productivity, climate change mitigation and adaptation, rain and floodwater management, sustainable woodfuel production, and land restoration. In addition, we are supporting the establishment of the Forest Observatory of Eastern and Southern Africa (OFESA), developing policies and practices to enhance co-benefits from joint forest and water conservation, assessing the impact of land use on water and nutrient cycling in the South-West Mau, and supporting incentives to reduce the climate impact of livestock.  

More recently, we have embarked on long-term work with diverse partners to tackle critically important challenges and achieve transformational change in key geographical locations within the country and cross border, through Tsavo-Amboseli-Mara-Serengeti and Refugee-Hosting and Engagement Landscapes, respectively.