Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has challenged conservation programmes to put local communities at the heart of protecting Kenya's forests, saying the 10-year success of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme proves that environmental restoration delivers lasting results when families living around forests are part of the solution.
Speaking during the programme's 10th anniversary celebrations at Kaptargok in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Prof. Kindiki joined residents from the six Kaptagat Forest blocks—Kaptagat, Penon, Sabor, Kessup, Kipkabus and Elgeyo—for a tree-planting exercise and the commissioning of livelihood and government projects.
He said the initiative had become a practical example of how conservation can improve lives while protecting natural resources, adding that healthy forests remain vital for food production, water security and the country's economic growth.
"A good, and sound healthy environment is good for the community. I want to thank you, PS Kiptoo, for your work in environmental conservation," said the Deputy President.
DP Kindiki said the programme had demonstrated that involving neighbouring communities was the most effective way to safeguard forests for future generations.
"This project, led by PS Kiptoo, ensures forest-adjacent communities are involved in environmental conservation. It is very important to involve the local community in the conservation of the environment. I thank you because the programme has livelihood empowerment for the surrounding community, who will help us conserve Kaptagat Forest. I have seen that the programme gives farmers grade cows so they can get more milk compared to what they are getting. I have seen others getting cooking gas, and many other livelihoods that will help them put money in their pockets, Pesa Mfukoni," he added.
The Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme was started 10 years ago after it became clear that protecting the forest would only succeed if the economic and social needs of surrounding communities were addressed alongside conservation efforts.
Its model goes beyond tree planting by bringing together four key areas: Mazingira Safi, Maji Safi Nyumbani, Kawi Safi Nyumbani and Pesa Mfukoni. The programme combines forest restoration with access to clean water, clean energy, climate-smart farming and income-generating opportunities for households.
National Treasury Principal Secretary and programme Patron Dr. Chris Kiptoo said the initiative had shown that forests can become a source of economic growth when communities directly benefit from protecting them.
"This is an economy powered by the forest. Looking back on the10 years that I have served as Patron of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme, one lesson stands out: Never underestimate an economy powered by the forest. Never underestimate the impact of planting a single tree, and never underestimate the power of one person determined to restore a forest," PS Kiptoo said.
He said the programme had been built by listening to the concerns of local communities and creating practical solutions that addressed those needs.
"Today, I am proud of what those ten years have given birth to: Mazingira Safi, Maji Safi Nyumbani, Kawi Safi and Pesa Mfukoni. These are not just programmes; they are community-driven solutions born from listening to the very needs that once pushed people into the forest. As we celebrate ten years of impact and embark on our '10 to 20' journey, to restore more, sustain more and transform more, I believe the next decade will take us even further," he said.
World Wide Fund for Nature-Kenya Chief Executive Officer Jackson Kiplagat said the programme had become one of Kenya's strongest examples of successful partnerships in conservation.
"The story of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme is proof that when communities, government, private sector, development partners and conservation organisations work together, degraded landscapes can be restored and livelihoods transformed," he said.
He said the programme had restored degraded landscapes, protected water catchment areas, strengthened climate resilience and improved the welfare of thousands of households over the last decade.
"We join the Patron and stakeholders to celebrate this remarkable milestone that is not simply looking back at a decade of achievement, but also renewing our commitment to the next ten years of restoring, sustaining and transforming the Kaptagat ecosystem, which is both a national and global model of restoration," he added.
As it begins its next phase under the "10 to 20" vision, stakeholders said the programme will expand efforts to restore more forest cover, strengthen conservation gains and improve livelihoods, with the aim of keeping Kaptagat among Kenya's leading examples of conservation driven by community participation.