BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION TAKES CENTER STAGE AT LAUNCH OF CHERISH PROGRAMME.

Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration took centre stage as Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki presided over the launch of the Cherangany Hills Ecosystem Restoration for Livelihood Improvement, Sustainability and Harmony (CHERISH) Programme at Tebe Grounds in Kapyego.

The Deputy President was received by Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Dr. Deborah M. Barasa and Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Hon. Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, who also serves as the programme’s patron.

The launch coincided with the commemoration of the International Day for Biodiversity, underscoring the Government’s commitment to restoring degraded ecosystems, conserving biodiversity, and strengthening climate resilience across the country.

The CHERISH Programme is designed to restore degraded landscapes within the Cherangany Hills ecosystem while improving livelihoods through community-led conservation initiatives and sustainable natural resource management. The programme seeks to enhance ecosystem health, safeguard water resources, and promote sustainable development for communities that depend on the landscape.

Speaking during the event, leaders highlighted the critical role of the Cherangany Hills as one of Kenya’s key water towers and emphasized the need for collective action to protect forests, biodiversity, and vital ecosystem services. They called on communities, government agencies, development partners, and other stakeholders to work together in safeguarding the region’s natural resources for future generations.

The launch brought together national and county leaders, conservation partners, development organizations, and members of the local community, all united in advancing the sustainable restoration and management of the Cherangany Hills ecosystem.

The event reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to achieving national restoration and climate action targets while ensuring that local communities remain at the centre of conservation efforts through sustainable livelihood opportunities and inclusive natural resource governance.

Among those in attendance were Forestry Principal Secretary Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng’eno, National Treasury Principal Secretary Dr. Chris Kiptoo, Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco, Immigration and Citizen Services Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang, alongside other senior government officials and stakeholders.