Level of Community Participation in Participatory Forest Management in Muguga Forest, Kiambu, Kenya

Participatory Forest Management emerged as a response to centralized forest governance systems that excluded local communities, often resulting in forest degradation and weakened local stewardship. This study assessed the role of communities in PFM in Muguga Forest, Kiambu County, Kenya. Specifically, it examined how local communities participate in forest governance and conservation activities. Descriptive survey approaches were adopted. Sampling was done using census approach where the target group, N=150 was surveyed, primary data were collected from 102 registered MERCFA members (68% response rate out of 150 active members) through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and observation. Secondary data were obtained from institutional reports. Findings indicate that communities play central roles in tree planting, nursery establishment, forest patrols, environmental awareness creation, and regulated cut-and-carry grazing. They also engage in forest-based enterprises such as beekeeping and ecotourism. Although community participation has strengthened local stewardship and improved conservation awareness, forest recovery remains unstable due to financial constraints, weak enforcement, limited market access, and low youth engagement. The study concludes that sustainable PFM depends on empowered community roles, equitable benefit-sharing, and strong institutional support under the Forest Conservation and Management Act (2016).