The Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (KICP) has launched its ambitious “10 to 20” vision, a commitment to double its impact over the next decade by expanding community-led forest restoration, clean energy, water security and sustainable livelihoods.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who was the Chief Guest during the programme’s 10th anniversary celebrations at Kaptargok in Elgeyo Marakwet County, said the initiative had become a compelling example of how environmental conservation can succeed when local communities benefit directly.

The celebrations brought together the Kaptagat forest-adjacent communities alongside donors, government leaders, conservation organisations and development partners for a 10th-edition tree-planting exercise and the launch of key community and government projects.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy President said healthy ecosystems remain fundamental to Kenya’s food security, water security and economic development.

“A good, sound and healthy environment is good for the community,” he said.

He commended the programme for placing the people who call home the Kaptagat Ecosytem at the centre of forest conservation through livelihood improvement.”It is very important to involve the local community in the conservation of the environment. I have seen many livelihoods improvement projects that will help the people of Kaptagt put money in their pockets-Pesa Mfukoni,” he reiterated.

Rather than focusing solely on tree planting growing, the Kaptagat programme addresses the underlying pressures facing forest-adjacent communities through four integrated pillars: Pesa Mfukoni (Money in the Pocket), Kawi Safi Nyumbani (Clean Energy at Home), Mazingira Safi (Healthy Environment) and Maji Safi Nyumbani (Clean Water at Home).

The KICP programme Patron and National Treasury Principal Secretary, Dr. Chris Kiptoo, said the initiative had demonstrated that conservation could become a driver of economic transformation.

“This is 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,” he said.

Dr. Kiptoo said the 10 to 20 vision would build on the programme’s first decade by restoring more, sustaining more and transforming more, with the aim of strengthening community resilience while protecting one of Kenya’s most important water towers for future generations.