Elgeyo Marakwet – President William Ruto has directed the fencing of the Kaptagat Forest Ecosystem in a renewed push to protect Kenya’s vital water towers and restore degraded landscapes.
Speaking during the 9th edition of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Ruto confirmed that the government will mobilize funds to fence off the forest. The move, he said, is part of a broader national strategy to secure all state-owned forests from illegal logging, land grabs, and deforestation.
“Kaptagat is a critical water catchment area. We must protect it while supporting local communities to continue conservation and livelihood activities through structured forest management plans,” President Ruto said.
Ruto emphasized that forest protection must be balanced with community involvement, noting that residents will continue to access the forest legally under participatory agreements already in place.
As part of the event, Ruto joined community members in planting over 400 avocado seedlings. He also distributed 50,000 avocado seedlings and 100,000 coffee seedlings to farmers under a program aimed at boosting household incomes and promoting sustainable agriculture.
The President linked these efforts to the larger national goal of expanding forest cover and combating the effects of climate change.
“We are determined to grow our forest cover to protect future generations from the worsening impact of climate change,” he said. “Through the 15 billion tree campaign, we have already planted over 840 million trees.”
The event included a large-scale tree growing exercise at Kipkabus Forest Station, where 60,000 seedlings were planted across 34.5 hectares.
Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa echoed the President’s sentiments. She said the ministry is focused on restoring forests to improve both environmental health and local economies.
She credited Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo also the Patron of KICP for sustaining a program that protects a key watershed while creating income opportunities for nearby residents.
The initiative to fence Kaptagat Forest comes amid broader efforts to reforest Kenya’s landscapes and enforce climate resilience policies. Government officials say fencing will reduce illegal activity, allow forests to regenerate, and support organized conservation by communities.
Ruto’s announcement underscores his administration’s commitment to aligning conservation with sustainable development and economic opportunity for rural households.
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