ELGEYO MARAKWET, Kenya- Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has launched a 273-kilometre electric fence around the Kaptagat Forest Ecosystem in a major conservation initiative aimed at protecting one of Kenya’s most important water towers.
The project was unveiled during the 10th Edition of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (KICP) at Penon Forest Station, with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) saying the fence will strengthen efforts to curb illegal activities, reduce human-wildlife conflict and safeguard the forest’s biodiversity.
According to KFS, the electric fence forms part of broader interventions to conserve the Kaptagat Forest Ecosystem, which plays a critical role in water catchment, climate regulation and biodiversity conservation.
The agency said protecting the forest will also support the government’s 15 Billion Tree Growing Programme and the national target of achieving 30 per cent tree cover by 2032.
“Kaptagat Forest plays a critical role in climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration, supports biodiversity conservation, regulates water resources and underpins agriculture, energy production and livelihoods,” KFS said.
Cocoa Farming Initiative Launched
During the event, Kindiki also officially launched the commercial cultivation of cocoa under an agroforestry programme designed to increase tree cover while creating an additional source of income for farmers living around the forest.
The government says integrating cocoa farming with forest conservation will help promote sustainable livelihoods while supporting environmental restoration.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Kenya’s forests, describing them as critical to environmental sustainability, water security and long-term economic growth.
He also commended the Kenya Forest Service, development partners and local communities for their continued efforts in restoring and conserving the Kaptagat Forest Ecosystem.
Senior Government Officials Attend
The event was hosted by the Kenya Forest Service under the leadership of Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko.
Among those in attendance were Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi, National Treasury Principal Secretary Dr Chris Kiptoo, who serves as Patron of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme, alongside national and county leaders, development partners and conservation stakeholders.