Centre for Ecosystem Restoration - Kenya

What Centre for Ecosystem Restoration - Kenya does

The Centre for Ecosystem Restoration - Kenya (CER-K) is a Kenyan non-profit organization founded in 2021 and legally registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee in 2023, operating across three regional hubs—Highland (Tigoni/Limuru), Savannah (Maasai Mara), and Coastal (Kilifi)—that span Kenya's principal ecological zones. The organization delivers ecosystem restoration services organized around three interconnected pillars: Research (biodiversity monitoring, species propagation protocols covering 134+ species, and ecological assessments), Resource (a decentralized native seed bank network holding 4.2M+ seeds and nursery production of 44K+ seedlings), and Restore (on-the-ground restoration projects, with reported cumulative impact of 5,000+ hectares restored). CER-K also serves as a Certified Regional Implementing Hub for The Global Biodiversity Standard (TGBS), offering certification assessments, training, and consultancy, and runs a small commercial seed shop selling indigenous species at KES 300-800 per packet. Underlying technology includes documented propagation protocols, biodiversity monitoring frameworks, and the Earth Rover Program (launched 2024) which applies seismic waves, AI, machine learning, and bioacoustic analysis for non-invasive soil health monitoring.

The business model is hybrid: grant funding from institutional donors (Franklinia Foundation, Terraformation, Ecosia, UN Decade, Zeitz Foundation, IKI-RTRP) and multi-country project consortia (CIFOR-ICRAF, Unique Land Use GmbH) constitutes the dominant revenue stream, supplemented by professional services revenue from consultancy, TGBS certification fees, seed sales (direct online, hub pickup, and nationwide delivery), citizen science expeditions (Earthwatch), and student programs (EDU Africa partnerships with Boston University, Washington State University, Pepperdine University). Customer segments span government agencies (Kenya Forest Service, Government of Kenya), conservation NGOs and conservancies (Ecosia, Seedballs Kenya, Enarau, A Rocha Kenya, The Maa Trust, Nature Kenya), academic and research institutions (NTU, JKUAT, Mount Kenya University, University of Bologna, Smithsonian), international standards bodies (BGCI, IUCN, Plan Vivo, SER, MSBP/Wakehurst), and individual consumers purchasing indigenous seeds for restoration and landscaping. The organization has grown to approximately 35 employees working across three hubs and operates a network of community seed collectors spanning more than 20 Kenyan counties.

Name

Centre for Ecosystem Restoration - Kenya

Legal name

Centre for Ecosystem Restoration - Kenya

Website

https://cerkenya.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Short description

CER-K is a Kenyan non-profit founded in 2021 that restores degraded ecosystems across highland, savanna, and coastal zones through a three-hub model delivering native seed banking, nursery production, biodiversity certification (TGBS), and restoration services to governments, NGOs, researchers, and communities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Ecosystem Restoration Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Nursery and Tree Production (111421)

SIC

Forestry (800), Agricultural Services (700)

akta.pro primary industry

Conservation Agriculture (Erosion Control, Contour/Strip Cropping, Mulching) (AFAGAMAB)

Keywords

• Ecosystem restoration services
• Native seed supply
• Biodiversity conservation
• Environmental consultancy services
• Habitat rehabilitation

Headquarters

HQ city

Limuru

HQ country

Kenya

HQ region

Africa

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Seed Sales: Direct sales of indigenous tree seeds through online shop. Seeds are sold per packet with prices ranging from KES 300-800 depending on species and quantity. Seeds sourced from seed banks and community collectors, sold to restoration projects, landscapers, and individuals.
2. Professional Services & Consultancy: Expert consultancy including restoration design and planning, biodiversity assessments, mentorship for restoration projects, training and capacity building for professionals and practitioners.
3. TGBS Certification Services: Provides site assessments, mentorship, training, and consultancy for The Global Biodiversity Standard certification. Revenue from certification and training fees.
4. Grants and Partnerships: Funding from partnerships with organizations including Franklinia Foundation, Terraformation, Ecosia, UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration, and government agencies. Includes project-based grants for specific restoration initiatives.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

CER-K is a Kenyan non-profit organization that restores degraded ecosystems through three integrated pillars: Research, Resource, and Restore. It operates native seed banks, produces climate-resilient seedlings, and implements on-the-ground restoration projects across three regional hubs (Highland, Savannah, Coastal) serving as a Certified Regional Implementing Hub for The Global Biodiversity Standard (TGBS) and providing consultancy, biodiversity monitoring, and capacity-building services to government agencies, NGOs, and conservation organizations.

Product overview

CER-K operates as a non-profit ecosystem restoration organization with a multi-hub, multi-pillar structure. The core offering centers on three interconnected pillars — Research, Resource, and Restore — supported by three regional hubs (Highland in Tigoni/Limuru, Savannah in Maasai Mara, and Coastal in Kilifi). The product portfolio includes Native Seed Bank Services (with centralised and decentralised seed banks preserving millions of seeds), Seedlings & Nursery Services, and Ecosystem Restoration Services. Value-added offerings include TGBS Biodiversity Certification, Biodiversity Research & Monitoring, Consultancy Services, Educational Resources (tree guides, children's workbooks), Indigenous Seeds commercial sales, Citizen Science Expeditions, and the Community Nursery Network. Flagship projects include the Brackenhurst Restoration Project, Earth Rover Program (soil health monitoring with AI/ML), IKI-RTRP Seed Project (native tree seed systems across Sub-Saharan Africa), Franklinia Project (threatened species), Green Heart Kilifi Restoration Corridor, and Dakatcha Restoration. The organization functions as a platform combining science-based restoration with community empowerment across Kenya's diverse ecosystems.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Native Seed Bank Services CER-K operates centralised and decentralised seed bank networks preserving millions of native seeds, providing high-quality forest resource materials for ecosystem restoration across Kenya's diverse ecosystems. The service includes community-driven seed collection spanning 20+ counties and supports restoration projects, landscapers, and individuals.
• Seedlings & Nursery Services Production and supply of high-quality native forest seedlings through nurseries at three regional hubs (Highland, Savannah, Coastal), supporting restoration with climate-resilient, locally adapted planting materials for restoration projects and community nurseries.
• Ecosystem Restoration Services Science-based on-ground restoration of degraded ecosystems including forest restoration, rangeland rehabilitation, and coastal restoration, implemented through community partnerships and innovative techniques across Kenya's diverse landscapes.
• TGBS Biodiversity Certification As a Certified Regional Implementing Hub, CER-K provides site assessments, mentorship, training, and consultancy to certify restoration projects meet rigorous international biodiversity standards co-developed with BGCI, Plan Vivo, IUCN, and SER.
• Biodiversity Research & Monitoring Evidence-based ecological research spanning forest restoration, wetland ecology, soil health, invasive species management, and biocultural restoration, providing scientific guidance for effective restoration practices and standardized monitoring protocols.
• Consultancy Services

Quantifiable outcome

• 4.2M+ seeds banked and distributed
• +8 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

44 partnerships are on record, tiered key, core and minor.

• Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerExperts in indigenous tree propagation and forest restoration.
• TerraformationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTerraformation donated the Highland Hub seed bank facility with capacity for up to 10 million orthodox seeds. Major partnership established in 2022 for seed bank infrastructure development.
• Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation of Kenya's Threatened Tree Species. BGCI partnership for TGBS development and implementation, with CER-K as a Certified Regional Implementing Hub.
• Nottingham Trent University (NTU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational academic collaboration established in 2020 through Erasmus+ partnership. Partnering on wildlife diversity and habitat restoration research.
• The Global Biodiversity Standard (TGBS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCER-K is a Certified Regional Implementing Hub for TGBS, providing site assessments, mentorship, training, and consultancy. Co-developing the standard with BGCI, Plan Vivo, IUCN, and SER.
• EcosiakeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial enterprise search engine funding restoration projects. CER-K implements coastal green corridor project and serves as independent evaluator for other Ecosia-funded sites.
• UN Decade for Ecosystem RestorationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting global restoration commitments under the UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration framework.
• Kenya Forest ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting national restoration targets and collaborating on Kereita Forest Restoration - restoring 200 hectares of degraded forest land.
• Seedballs KenyakeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor seed procurement and ecological restoration partner. Partnership strengthens native seed availability and supports community livelihoods through sustainable seed production.
• A Rocha KenyakeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation partner. Expanded partnership in 2025 for rare and threatened species protection alongside Franklinia Foundation.
• EarthwatchkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCitizen science partnership connecting volunteers to biodiversity hotspots. Earthwatch expeditions at Enarau Wildlife Conservancy in Maasai Mara.
• Enarau ConservancykeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerRestoration initiative restoring degraded landscapes through sustainable land-use practices in partnership with local communities.
• The Maa TrustkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Maasai communities in the Mara ecosystem for sustainable pastoralism and ecosystem resilience.
• ICRAF (World Agroforestry)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in RTRP-Seed project for strengthening native tree seed systems across Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Earth Rover ProgramkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPioneering non-invasive soil health monitoring using seismic waves, AI, and Machine Learning across Kenyan agro-ecosystems.
• Green Heart of KenyakeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Green Heart Kilifi (GHK) Restoration Corridor - restoring coastal forests on former sisal estates.
• KEFRIkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerKenya Forestry Research Institute - experts in indigenous tree propagation and forest restoration.
• Lynch GroupminorOthersPartner organization in restoration and conservation network.
• Society for Ecological Restoration (SER)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational organization collaborating on TGBS standard development and restoration best practices.
• IUCNcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational Union for Conservation of Nature collaborating on TGBS standard and global biodiversity frameworks.
• Plan VivocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in TGBS development ensuring restoration projects deliver real ecological recovery.
• EDU AfricakeyGTM or Marketing PartnerBringing students from around the world into Kenya's restored landscapes for immersive service-learning experiences.
• University of BolognakeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partnership on soil health, invasive species, and ecosystem resilience.
• Mount Kenya University (MKU)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborating on biodiversity and ecosystem conservation through Erasmus+ partnership.
• Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting sustainable agriculture and restoration strategies through academic collaboration.
• National Museums of KenyakeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on biodiversity research and conservation.
• Nature KenyakeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on biodiversity conservation and restoration in Kenya.
• Millennium Seed Bank Partnership, Wakehurst (MSBP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSeed conservation through capacity building, staff training on Seed Conservation Techniques international course, and PhD supervision.
• Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvancing biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration research.
• Plants for Life InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded by Mark Nicolson in 2001, initiated forest restoration efforts that CER-K was built upon.
• Mount Kenya University (MKU)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborating on biodiversity and ecosystem conservation research.
• Nottingham Trent University (NTU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnering on wildlife diversity and habitat restoration research.
• University of BolognakeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearching soil health, invasive species, and ecosystem resilience.
• Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvancing biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration.
• Millennium Seed Bank Partnership, Wakehurst (MSBP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSeed conservation capacity building, staff training on Seed Conservation Techniques international course, PhD supervision.
• Botanic Gardens Conservation InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation of Kenya's Threatened Tree Species.
• Local CommunitiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnering across 20 counties for seed collection and biodiversity conservation through community seed collector network.
• The Global Biodiversity Standard (TGBS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnsuring projects meet international biodiversity restoration standards as Certified Implementing Hub.
• Government of KenyacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting national restoration targets including 30% tree cover target by 2032.
• Academic & Research InstitutionskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvancing restoration science and knowledge-sharing through collaborative research.
• CIFOR-ICRAFcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLead consortium partner in RTRP-Seed project for strengthening native tree seed systems across Sub-Saharan Africa in 5 countries.
• Unique Land Use GmbHkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerConsortium partner in RTRP-Seed project for climate-resilient native tree restoration.
• Global Landscapes Forum (GLF)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting communication and visibility at regional restoration events.
• EarthwatchkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCitizen science partnership connecting volunteers to biodiversity hotspots. Expeditions at Enarau Wildlife Conservancy.

Scale indicators17 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Eden Reforestation Projects: Global nonprofit dedicated to reforestation and ecosystem restoration across multiple countries, employing community-led planting models similar to CER-K's hub approach. Operates at significantly larger scale with millions of trees planted across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, making it the closest comparable in mission and operating model.
• Trees for the Future: Nonprofit focused on agroforestry and forest restoration with significant operations in Sub-Saharan Africa including Kenya. Trains farmers in sustainable land use and operates hub-style programs with community partnerships closely analogous to CER-K's three-pillar approach.
• WeForest: International nonprofit focused on forest restoration and climate resilience with operations across multiple African countries. Combines scientific monitoring with community-based restoration in a model directly comparable to CER-K's research-resource-restore framework.
• Seedballs Kenya: Kenyan-based native seed and restoration nonprofit that is both a CER-K partner and a direct comparable in their focus on native seed supply, restoration support, and community livelihoods through sustainable seed production in Kenya.
• One Tree Planted: Global nonprofit focused on reforestation with operations in Kenya and other African countries. Uses a similar community-based restoration model with multi-country hub structure and corporate/foundation partnerships directly comparable to CER-K's approach.

Broad incumbents

• Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI): Global network for botanic gardens that accredited Brackenhurst Botanic Garden and co-developed TGBS alongside CER-K. BGCI is a larger international network with broader conservation scope spanning plant conservation policy, training, and accreditation across thousands of gardens.
• WWF Kenya: Kenya office of the global conservation giant with substantial resources for landscape-level conservation programs. Operates across Kenya's key ecosystems with similar community partnership approaches but at vastly larger scale and broader portfolio than CER-K.
• IUCN Eastern Africa Regional Office: International conservation union with significant Eastern Africa presence. CER-K collaborates with IUCN on TGBS standard development; IUCN's broader portfolio includes policy advocacy and conservation strategy that competes for the same funder attention and government engagement.
• The Nature Conservancy: One of the world's largest environmental nonprofits with operations across Africa. Engages in ecosystem restoration, native species conservation, and corporate biodiversity partnerships at a scale that exceeds CER-K by orders of magnitude and competes for the same multilateral funding pool.

Others

• Ecosia: Search engine that funds reforestation globally and is both a CER-K partner (funds coastal green corridor and uses CER-K as independent evaluator) and an adjacent restoration funder/distributor. Ecosia operates primarily as a funding and awareness channel rather than a restoration implementer, making it more of an ecosystem partner than a direct peer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC-Kw-58ywpghg
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/centre-for-ecosystem-restoration-kenya

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Centre for Ecosystem Restoration - Kenya