In recent years, Kenya's forests have faced severe threats, with illegal logging, wildfires exacerbated by climate change, and charcoal production leading to significant tree loss. Between 2001 and 2023, the country lost nearly 400,000 hectares of forest, enough to store approximately 189 megatons of carbon dioxide.
Amidst this devastation, a new generation of tech-savvy Kenyans is stepping up with innovative solutions. One such initiative is M-Situ, founded in 2023 by engineers Joseph Nguthiru and Sam Okemwa. Inspired by the use of technology to combat wildfires in Greece, they developed a system that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor and alert authorities about deforestation and fire threats.
M-Situ's pilot project, located in the Ngong Forest near Nairobi, employs small solar-powered devices that detect sounds and gases indicating illegal logging or fires. The system has reportedly reduced logging in the area by 47%, protecting around 1,500 hectares of forest.
The urgency of addressing deforestation in Kenya cannot be overstated, as the loss of trees threatens endemic wildlife and exacerbates flooding and soil erosion, impacting agricultural productivity and food security.
In addition to M-Situ, other high-tech initiatives are making strides. The Regreening Africa app, developed by the International Center for Research in Agroforestry, collects data from local farmers to provide tailored advice on tree planting and restoration techniques, contributing to the restoration of over 253,000 hectares of land since its launch.
As Kenya grapples with the pressing challenge of deforestation, these technological innovations offer hope for the future of its forests and biodiversity.