On May 13th, 2026, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Board of Trustees Chairman Hon. Joseph Lagat, who also serves as Chair of the Kaptagat Conservation Project, led the official launch of the 10th Edition of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (KICP) in Nairobi. The milestone event marked a decade of commitment to restoring and enhancing the Kaptagat ecosystem, a vital water tower and biodiversity hotspot in Kenya’s Rift Valley region.
The initiative seeks to restore and enhance the Kaptagat ecosystem through tree planting, habitat preservation, and strengthened ecological resilience, while contributing to the Government’s ambitious target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032 and supporting sustainable community livelihoods. KICP has evolved into a model of integrated conservation, demonstrating how collaborative efforts can deliver tangible environmental and socioeconomic benefits.
A Call for Sustained Collaboration
In his address, Hon. Lagat noted that the initiative will continue working with like-minded partners, communities, and organizations to realize its transformative vision, calling for sustained collaboration from all stakeholders. He emphasized that the success of the programme over the past decade has been driven by strong partnerships and the active participation of local communities, whose stewardship of natural resources is essential for long-term conservation outcomes.
The Kaptagat Forest ecosystem, which spans parts of Elgeyo Marakwet and Uasin Gishu counties, is a critical water catchment area feeding several rivers and providing livelihoods to thousands of households. Its restoration is therefore not only an environmental imperative but also a socioeconomic necessity, supporting agriculture, water security, and climate resilience in the region.
KWS Commitment to Ecosystem Restoration
KWS Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga commended the programme for its efforts in restoring the Kaptagat Forest ecosystem, describing it as a pristine habitat for diverse insects, birds, and wildlife. He noted that healthy forests are essential for wildlife conservation, providing critical habitat for species that depend on forest ecosystems, including several endemic and threatened species.
Prof. Kanga further urged government agencies, conservation partners, communities, institutions, and the private sector to actively support tree planting and ecosystem restoration, emphasizing that environmental conservation remains a shared responsibility critical to securing a greener and more sustainable future for Kenya. He highlighted that KWS is committed to supporting such initiatives through technical expertise, collaboration, and advocacy, recognizing that protected areas alone cannot sustain Kenya’s biodiversity without the health of surrounding landscapes.
The integrated programme also supports the KWS Strategic Plan’s goal of expanding the wildlife economy by creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods through ecotourism, agroforestry, and other nature-based enterprises. By involving communities in conservation, KICP ensures that local people benefit directly from environmental restoration, fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship that is critical for long-term success.
A Shared Responsibility
As Kenya confronts the impacts of climate change, deforestation, and habitat loss, initiatives like KICP offer hope and a proven model for action. The launch of the 10th Edition is a testament to what can be achieved through sustained collaboration, visionary leadership, and community engagement.
As Hon. Lagat and Prof. Kanga have emphasized, the future of Kenya’s environment depends on collective action, and every tree planted, every hectare restored, and every partnership forged brings the nation closer to a greener, more sustainable future