Kaptagat Forest, spanning over 30,000 hectares within Kenya’s Cherangani Hills ecosystem, plays a vital role in water catchment, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. Located in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, this forest supports major rivers that feed Lake Victoria and Lake Turkana, serving water needs across seven counties. Once severely degraded by logging, grazing, and encroachment, restoration efforts—led by the Kenya Forest Service and the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme—have reversed the decline through indigenous tree planting, bamboo wetland rehabilitation, and sustainable community practices. Initiatives like avocado farming and biogas adoption have provided alternative livelihoods, reducing pressure on the forest. Today, Kaptagat Forest is not only a key environmental asset but also a globally recognized high-altitude training hub for elite athletes like Eliud Kipchoge, demonstrating how forest conservation and community development can go hand in hand.

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Posted on 13 July 2024