The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), led by the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Hon. Joseph Lagat, joined the global community in marking the International Day for Biological Diversity, anchoring celebrations around the critical mission of localized conservation for planetary impact.
This year’s commemoration served as a powerful reminder that protecting our natural heritage requires structured, collective action, with local conservation initiatives serving as the bedrock upon which a sustainable future for both people and wildlife is built.
The official celebrations were held at Embobut Forest in Elgeyo Marakwet County during the launch of the landmark Cherangany Hills Ecosystem Restoration for Livelihood Improvement, Sustainability and Harmony (CHERISH) Programme. This ambitious initiative aims to reverse decades of environmental degradation and secure the ecological integrity of one of Kenya’s most important water towers.
High-Level Government Support
The event was presided over by His Excellency the Deputy President, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, underscoring the government’s commitment to ecosystem restoration as a national priority. He was joined by Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, and Dr. Deborah Barasa, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, alongside six Principal Secretaries. The gathering also brought together host Governor Wisley Rotich of Elgeyo Marakwet, Governor Jonathan Chelilim of Uasin Gishu, Governor Simon Kachapin of West Pokot, Members of Parliament, and leadership from the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), WWF, local leaders, and community stakeholders.
Their collective presence demonstrated the multi-sectoral approach required to address the complex challenges facing Kenya’s ecosystems.
Practical Steps Toward Reforestation
To turn the event’s theme into immediate action, KWS distributed 5,000 seed balls and 10,000 tree seedlings to directly support ecosystem restoration and intensive reforestation within the Cherangany landscape. This practical contribution complemented the broader CHERISH programme, which seeks to restore degraded areas, enhance biodiversity, and improve livelihoods through sustainable land management practices.
The seed balls, containing indigenous tree species, were strategically dispersed to promote natural regeneration in areas where conventional planting is challenging. The seedlings, meanwhile, were distributed to local communities, schools, and institutions, encouraging widespread participation in reforestation efforts. This hands-on approach ensures that the commemoration of International Day for Biological Diversity translates into tangible environmental gains.
Why the Cherangany Hills Ecosystem Matters
The restoration of Embobut Forest and the wider Cherangany Hills ecosystem is a priority for Kenya. This landscape plays a foundational role in enhancing biodiversity conservation by securing critical wildlife habitats that support diverse species, including several endemic and threatened wildlife populations. The forests provide essential corridors for wildlife movement, enabling genetic exchange and maintaining healthy populations.
The ecosystem also protects vital water catchment areas that sustain millions of lives and livelihoods across several counties. Furthermore, restoration efforts are preventing catastrophic environmental risks, including mudslides and soil erosion, which have caused loss of life and property in recent years. By stabilizing slopes and restoring vegetation, the CHERISH programme is building resilience against climate-related disasters.
Strengthening Climate Resilience
The initiative contributes to strengthening climate resilience and securing the economic future of local communities. Healthy forests absorb carbon dioxide, regulate local climates, and support sustainable livelihoods through ecotourism, beekeeping, and agroforestry. By investing in restoration, Kenya is building a foundation for long-term prosperity that benefits both people and nature.
As Kenya continues to confront the challenges of climate change, habitat loss, and biodiversity decline, initiatives like the CHERISH programme offer hope and a proven model for action. The Embobut Forest celebration was a powerful reminder that every restored hectare brings the nation closer to a more sustainable and resilient future.