8th Edition Tree Planting Drive Targets 400ha Forest Restoration and 100,000 Avocado Seedling Distribution

The Eighth Edition of the Kaptagat Tree Planting Campaign was held on July 3, 2024, and was graced by His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, alongside Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who served as the Chief Guest. The event also featured Prime Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi, Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Public Works Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, and other national and local leaders. Building on the success of previous editions, this year’s initiative expanded its restoration efforts with an ambitious goal to rehabilitate 400 hectares across the Kessup, Sabor, Kaptagat, Penon, and Kipkabus forest blocks, all located within the vital Kaptagat ecosystem.

In addition to forest restoration, the campaign also focused on improving community livelihoods through agroforestry, by distributing 100,000 avocado fruit tree seedlings to selected farmers within the region. The initiative not only contributes to biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation, but also supports economic empowerment through sustainable agriculture. The continued involvement of high-level government officials highlights the national significance of the Kaptagat landscape as a critical water catchment area, a hub for sporting excellence, and a model for community-driven forest restoration. The 8th Edition reinforced Kenya’s growing commitment to achieving its national tree growing targets and enhancing ecosystem services across the North Rift region.