FORESTRY PRINCIPAL SECRETARY RECEIVES CRITIACL READINESS BRIEFING AHEAD OF LANDMARK 10th KICP CONSERVATION EDITION.

Preparations for one of Kenya's premier forest landscape restoration initiatives have entered their final, high-momentum phase as Forestry Principal Secretary Mr. Gitonga Mugambi received a comprehensive readiness briefing on the upcoming 10th Edition of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (KICP). The critical planning session was led by key conservation bosses, including the Secretary of Forest Development, Mr. George Tarus, the Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr. Alex Lemarkoko, and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) CEO, Dr. Jane Njuguna. Together, the leaders reviewed the strategic layout for the landmark environmental event, detailing coordination protocols among implementing state agencies, stakeholder engagement strategies, targeted restoration activities, and strict quality measures to ensure the seamless execution of the massive conservation initiative.

The upcoming milestone edition, slated to take place on July 11, 2026, is structured to build upon KICP's decade-long legacy of pioneering sustainable forest management, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience through highly coordinated, multi-stakeholder collaboration. Reaffirming the government's steadfast commitment to the cause, PS Mugambi emphasized the importance of strengthening public and private partnerships that support the long-term conservation and sustainable management of Kenya's forest resources. He pointed out that the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme remains a crucial vehicle for rehabilitating degraded landscapes, conserving biodiversity, protecting vital water catchments, and fostering active community participation in environmental stewardship—all of which directly align with Kenya’s broader national development and climate action agendas.

As the countdown to the historic event continues, the State Department for Forestry is working to ensure the 10th anniversary leaves a lasting ecological footprint. The celebratory program is expected to unite national and county governments, global development partners, conservation agencies, research institutions, private sector players, and local host communities. Together, this diverse coalition will gather in Kaptagat to reaffirm their collective responsibility toward ecosystem restoration and to accelerate momentum toward Kenya's overarching, ambitious climate target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032.