NAIROBI, Kenya, July 5 – The government plans to replicate the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (KICP) across the country after hailing it as one of Kenya’s most successful community-led conservation models during celebrations marking the programme’s 10th anniversary.
The announcement was made during the 2026 Kaptagat Cycling Challenge, one of the flagship activities commemorating a decade of forest restoration, where hundreds of cyclists joined government officials, conservation partners and local communities in promoting environmental conservation through sport.
The fourth edition of the 80-kilometre cycling challenge, held at Kaptagat Farm Resort in Elgeyo Marakwet County, formed part of the week-long celebrations showcasing how the programme has transformed the Kaptagat Forest ecosystem while improving livelihoods for surrounding communities.
Speaking during the event, Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi said the success of the Kaptagat model had made it a national benchmark for conservation and would now be rolled out in other critical forest ecosystems.
“This conservation is number one in the whole Kenya and Africa, and we are replicating this model in other areas, for example the Mau Forest Complex,” said Mugambi.
The Principal Secretary said the programme’s achievements demonstrate that lasting forest restoration is only possible when communities living around forests are actively involved as partners in conservation efforts.
Over the past decade, the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme has combined tree growing, sustainable livelihoods and community participation to restore degraded sections of the Kaptagat Forest ecosystem, part of the Cherangani Hills Water Tower.
The initiative has also supported Kenya’s national goal of increasing tree cover while strengthening climate resilience and protecting vital water catchment areas.
The celebrations began with a community tree-growing exercise before the flagging off of the Kaptagat Cycling Challenge, which attracted cyclists from across Kenya and neighbouring countries.
National Treasury Principal Secretary and KICP Patron Dr. Chris Kiptoo said the initiative continues to demonstrate that conservation and sustainable development can move forward together.
“Kaptagat continues to demonstrate that conservation and sustainable development go hand in hand. Through initiatives such as the Cycling Challenge and community-led tree growing, we are investing in healthy ecosystems, resilient communities and a greener future. Every tree planted and every kilometre cycled contributes to safeguarding this critical forest landscape for future generations,” he said.
The event also highlighted KICP’s growing role in supporting Kenya’s 15 Billion Trees Campaign, with every cycling edition contributing to forest restoration through tree planting and community engagement.
As the programme enters its second decade, government officials say the Kaptagat model offers a practical blueprint for restoring degraded forests across Kenya by integrating conservation, community livelihoods and strategic partnerships into a single, sustainable approach.
Other leaders in attendance included Principal Secretary for Mining Harry Kimtai, Principal Secretary for Forestry Gitonga Mugambi, Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich, Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kipkemoi Kisang, Kenya Forest Service Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko, and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Board Chairman Joseph Lagat, alongside other national and county leaders.
