5th Edition Tree Planting Event Celebrated by Top Government Officials and Stakeholders

The Fifth Edition of the Kaptagat Tree Planting Campaign was held on July 23, 2021, at Chepkorio Grounds and graced by Mr. Harry Kimutai, Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture, alongside dignitaries from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, County Commissioners from Elgeyo Marakwet and Uasin Gishu, and other key stakeholders. The edition was coordinated by the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (KICP), which oversaw planning, site preparation, logistics, and community engagement. NETFUND played a central role as the Resource Mobilizer, facilitating seedling transportation and field operations. Through collaborative efforts, 185.4 hectares were rehabilitated out of a 225-hectare target across the Kessup, Kaptagat, Penon, Kipkabus, and Sabor forest stations, with Community Forest Associations (CFAs) contributing Ksh 5 million in-kind labor.

A notable highlight of the Fifth Edition was the rehabilitation of 32.5 hectares in Kipkabus Forest Reserve by Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA), which planted 20,000 bamboo seedlings under an ongoing collaboration framework. Major contributions were received from WWF Kenya (112,480 seedlings) and the Kenya Forest Service (80,000 seedlings), with additional support from government agencies and private sector partners. To improve local livelihoods, 3,000 avocado seedlings were distributed to farmers within the ecosystem. The event also saw the launch of the Integrated Master Plan for the Rehabilitation and Restoration of the Cherangany–Elgeyo Hills Ecosystem, developed by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry with support from WWF Kenya and other institutions. To integrate conservation with community wellness and sports, the first 42km Kaptagat Cycling Road Race was introduced by KICP and the Cycling Association of Kenya, featuring multiple race categories and awarding Ksh 370,000 in prizes. These combined efforts reinforced the region’s ongoing commitment to forest restoration, climate resilience, and sustainable community development in the North Rift region of Kenya.