About Us
Who We Are
The Ndoto Forest Conservation Organization (NFCO) is a powerful, community-led initiative established in 2022 as a Community-Based Organization (CBO) and registered as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in October 2025 to serve as a pivotal force in safeguarding Kenya’s fragile rangelands. This expansive 83,000-hectare reserve operates as an essential umbrella organization, bringing together the conservation and cultural stewardship efforts of the region, encompassing three (3) conservation blocks: Arsim, Lesepen, and Loikumkum/ Ndoto A, all administered under a 15-member Community Land Management Committees (CLMC).
Our Vision
Thriving forests, resilient communities, and sustainable livelihoods in the Ndoto–Keno landscape.
Our Mission
To implement community-led conservation, climate action, and livelihood solutions that secure biodiversity while improving socio-economic outcomes for pastoralist communities.
Our Values
Our core values—sustainability, collaboration, and equity—guide every decision we make, ensuring our work benefits both nature and local indigenous communities for generations to come.
Forest and Rangeland Restoration
Restore and protect Ndoto Keno Conservation Ara through community-led governance, forest restoration, and climate mitigation actions.
Green Economy
Diversify household incomes through climate-smart, forest-compatible enterprises.
Indigenous and Biodiversity Knowledge
Integrate indigenous knowledge systems into biodiversity conservation and livelihoods.
Wildlife Conservation
Data-driven, community-backed protection of globally threatened species - Grevy's zebra, Reticulated giraffe, Pancake tortoise
Joseph's path to conservation leadership is shaped by more than professional achievement—it is grounded in a lifelong connection to people, land, and resilience. With over two decades of experience spanning conservation, climate adaptation, and social development, he has served in senior leadership roles at national, regional, and international levels, including as Managing Commissioner and CEO of the Kenya Meat Commission and as Regional Director for Eastern Africa at the African Rehabilitation Institute.
Yet, it was the growing fragility of northern Kenya’s dryland forests—and the communities who depend on them—that ultimately called him home. In 2020, Joseph founded the Ndoto Forest Conservation Organization (NFCO) to respond to the accelerating loss of forests, biodiversity, and livelihoods. Under his leadership, NFCO works across critical ecosystems such as the Ndoto–Keno landscape, restoring forest and rangelands, safeguarding wildlife corridors, and building climate-resilient green economies rooted in community stewardship.
At the heart of Joseph’s work is a simple but powerful belief: conservation cannot succeed without people. He is driven by a vision where protecting biodiversity goes hand in hand with strengthening livelihoods—where women, youth, and indigenous communities are empowered as custodians of nature and beneficiaries of sustainable economic opportunity. His approach bridges ecological restoration with enterprise, linking conservation to eco-tourism, carbon finance, and climate-smart livelihoods.
Looking ahead, Joseph envisions NFCO as a leading force in landscape-level conservation across arid and semi-arid regions. His focus is on scaling integrated restoration, strengthening community-led monitoring and governance, and unlocking blended climate and biodiversity finance. Through strategic partnerships and innovation, he aims to deliver measurable climate outcomes while securing resilient futures for communities living at the frontlines of climate change.
Meet our team
Dedicated professionals driving our success
Joseph Learamo
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Evans Riat
Chief Financial Officer
Benson Ojwang
Fundraising, Grants & Impact
Samson Lekuye
Community Engagement Lead
TBD
Landscape Restoration & Monitoring Lead
Charity Mirgichan
HR & Administration
Caroline Nkirote
Development Communications
Partners and references
Together, we work with trusted partners to conserve the Ndoto Forest and advance a sustainable future led by communities.
" Working with Ndoto Forest Conservation Organization has transformed our approach to conservation, empowering local communities and protecting our forests"
" Through NFCO’s work, biodiversity protection is no longer separate from community priorities—it is embedded in daily livelihoods "
" By linking livelihoods with sustainable land use, NFCO has created lasting economic value for communities living in fragile ecosystems."
Be part of the movement to safeguard the the last intact wildlife corridor linking Samburu and Marsabit ecosystems.
Join us to protect and restore the Ndoto Forest for future generations.