CHIEF OF STAFF DR. FELIX KOSGEI LEADS MASS TREE GROWING DRIVE IN ELGEYO MARAKWET AHEAD OF HISTORIC KAPTAGAT RESTORATION MILESTONE.

In a major boost to Kenya's environmental restoration agenda, the Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, Mr. Felix Koskei, led a massive tree-growing exercise at Sabor Forest Station in Elgeyo Marakwet County. Accompanied by local community members, government officials, and conservation partners, the high-profile delegation successfully planted 3,000 tree seedlings, reinforcing the country's commitment to ecological sustainability.

The exercise serves as a key build-up activity ahead of the highly anticipated 10th Edition of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (KICP). Scheduled for July 11, 2026, the milestone decennial event will be officially presided over by His Excellency President Dr. William Samoei Ruto, marking a decade of dedicated efforts to restore and protect the region's vital water towers.

Mr. Koskei was joined by his Deputy, Mr. Amos Gathecha, alongside several key government administrators who are actively steering the nation's environmental policies. Among them were Principal Secretary for Forestry, Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, and the Principal Secretary for National Treasury, Dr. Chris Kiptoo, who also serves as the dedicated Patron of the KICP. Their collaborative presence underscored the cross-departmental priority placed on safeguarding Kenya’s natural resources. Also in attendance was Education Principal Secretary, Mr. John Lekakeny Ololtuaa, highlighting the integration of educational and community spaces in the broader conservation narrative.

Technical and administrative support for the drive was bolstered by senior environmental leaders, including the Secretary for Forest Development, Mr. George Tarus, the Secretary for Administration, Mr. Patrick Meso, and the Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr. Alex Lemarkoko. Additionally, Ms. Susan Boit, the Coordinator of the #15BillionTrees National Secretariat, was present to align the day's local efforts with the grand nationwide goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.

By actively engaging the host community in Sabor Forest, this initiative demonstrates that successful conservation is built on grassroots involvement. As the countdown to the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme’s 10th anniversary begins, the planting of these 3,000 trees stands as a vibrant symbol of Kenya’s collective responsibility toward a greener, more resilient future.