ELGEYO MARAKWET, Kenya- Head of Public Service Felix Koskei on Friday led the planting of 3,000 trees at Sabor Forest Station in Kaptagat Forest, ahead of the 10th Edition of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (KICP), which will be presided over by President William Ruto.
The exercise forms part of ongoing efforts to restore the Kaptagat Forest Ecosystem through landscape rehabilitation, watershed protection and sustainable forest management.
Leaders Join Conservation Exercise
Koskei was joined by National Treasury Principal Secretary Dr. Christopher Kiptoo, who also serves as Patron of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme, alongside national and local leaders.
The delegation was hosted by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), led by Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko.
The tree-growing exercise marked the final preparations for the conservation programme’s 10th edition, which is expected to bring together government leaders, conservation partners and local communities.
Restoring the Kaptagat Forest Ecosystem
According to the Kenya Forest Service, the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme has become a flagship environmental initiative focused on restoring one of Kenya’s most important forest ecosystems.
The programme promotes landscape restoration, watershed conservation and collaboration between government agencies, communities, private sector players and development partners.
Kaptagat Forest is a key water catchment that supports livelihoods and contributes to environmental sustainability in the region.
Kenya Forest Service’s Role
KFS said it continues to provide technical leadership in the programme by coordinating restoration activities and promoting sustainable forest management practices.
The agency noted that its efforts are aimed at improving the long-term health, resilience and ecological integrity of the Kaptagat Forest Ecosystem.
Officials say the programme aligns with the government’s broader environmental agenda, including increasing national tree cover and protecting critical water towers.
President Ruto to Preside Over 10th Edition
Friday’s tree-growing exercise serves as a precursor to Saturday’s 10th Edition of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme, where President William Ruto is expected to lead the main conservation activities.
The annual event has become an important platform for promoting environmental conservation, climate resilience and public participation in Kenya’s nationwide tree-growing campaign.
The government has identified forest restoration as a key pillar in achieving its national target of increasing tree cover while strengthening ecosystem resilience against the effects of climate change.