Second Kaptagat Tree Planting Edition 2018: 15 Hectares Restored at Sabor Forest and KICP Launched at Kittany

The Second Edition of the Kaptagat Tree Planting Campaign was held on June 29, 2018, at Kittany Secondary School in Elgeyo Marakwet County, bringing together key leaders including Dr. Chris Kiptoo, Principal Secretary – State Department of Trade, Governor Alex Tolgos, Senator Margaret Kamara, county commissioners, and Members of Parliament. The event focused on environmental restoration efforts, successfully rehabilitating 15 hectares in the Kipsalen block of Sabor Forest. The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) contributed assorted indigenous seedlings, while Community Forest Associations (CFAs) played an active role in mobilization and planting activities, reinforcing community-led conservation in the North Rift region.

A significant milestone of the event was the launch of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (KICP), a community-based organization established to coordinate planning, mobilization, and implementation of future tree planting campaigns. To foster youth involvement and environmental awareness, KICP partnered with the Zonal Football League Association to organize a football tournament. The finals, contested between Kimore White Stars and Kittany FC, saw Kittany FC crowned champions. The sports initiative highlighted the role of youth in conservation while promoting unity and community participation in the ongoing efforts to restore the Kaptagat Ecosystem and combat deforestation through sustainable forest management.