Editor's Review
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has launched a technology-driven tool designed to support regular and cost-effective monitoring of tree cover across the country.
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has launched a technology-driven tool designed to support regular and cost-effective monitoring of tree cover across the country.
In a statement on Wednesday, September 16, the agency said the tool was developed in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the SFS-CORECC Project.
KFS said the system was piloted in Makueni County using satellite imagery and machine-learning techniques.
"Developed through the KFS–Japan International Cooperation Agency collaboration under the SFS-CORECC Project, the tool was piloted in Makueni County using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery and machine-learning approaches," the statement read.
According to KFS, the pilot demonstrated more than 80 per cent accuracy in mapping tree and land cover.
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The assessment provided separate accuracy levels for tree-cover and land-cover mapping and also generated estimates for Makueni County.
"The pilot recorded over 80 per cent accuracy, with tree-cover mapping achieving 84.4 per cent tree cover accuracy and land-cover mapping 81.1 per cent land cover accuracy.
"The 2026 assessment estimated Makueni’s tree cover at 14.72 per cent and forest cover at 6.83 per cent," the statement added.
KFS said the tool will work alongside existing national forest assessments rather than replace them.
The system is expected to allow authorities to monitor changes more frequently and obtain spatial information that can support interventions.
"The tool will complement periodic national assessments, including the 2021 National Forest Resources Assessment, by enabling more frequent monitoring of changes in tree cover and providing timely spatial information to guide conservation, restoration and tree-growing interventions," the statement further read.
This comes months after KFS introduced drone surveillance in a bid to strengthen security in Karura Forest.
In a statement on Sunday, September 14, 2025, the agency said the drones, operated by the Security and Protection Directorate, are part of its plan to improve visitor safety in the forest.
"Kenya Forest Service ensures all visitors are safe through new technology. The drone unit from the Security and Protection Directorate now conducts regular aerial patrols throughout the forest.
"This new security system provides better monitoring of the forest area, giving visitors confidence as they walk, cycle, and picnic," the statement read.
KFS explained that the drones unit will work alongside existing ground patrols, allowing for quicker detection of potential threats.
"The drone patrols work alongside existing ground security measures, showing KFS's commitment to keeping Karura Forest safe and accessible for all Nairobi residents and visitors.
"This recent addition demonstrates KFS's ongoing efforts to improve visitor experience while protecting this valuable urban forest," the statement added.
