Third Kaptagat Tree Planting Edition 2019: 40 Hectares Restored, 10,000 Avocado Seedlings Distributed, and Junior Marathon Held

The Third Edition of the Kaptagat Tree Planting Campaign was held on July 20, 2019, at Chepkosom Primary School grounds and graced by Chief Administrative Secretary Mohammed Elmy representing the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, alongside event patron Dr. Chris Kiptoo, and other top officials including PS Agriculture Mr. Harry Kimutai, PS Irrigation Prof. Segor, and Governor Alex Tolgos. The event led to the rehabilitation of 40 hectares across five sites in Sabor Forest, supported by the contribution of 37,500 assorted indigenous seedlings from various stakeholders. A key highlight was the promotion of high-value fruit tree planting, with 10,000 Hass avocado seedlings donated by the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) distributed to select farmers in Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet Counties, establishing 50 hectares now entering their first harvest—boosting both livelihoods and sustainable agroforestry in the Kaptagat landscape.

To deepen community engagement, the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (KICP) partnered with the Kenya Athletics Association (KAA) and the Zonal Football Association to organize junior marathon races and a football tournament. Students from nearby schools participated in the races, while eight football teams from across the Kaptagat ecosystem competed in a spirited tournament. The finals between Kittany FC and Kimore White Stars FC saw Kittany FC emerge victorious at Kittany School grounds. These events showcased the power of sports and environmental stewardship in uniting communities and inspiring future generations to champion forest conservation and climate action in Kenya’s North Rift region.