KAPTAGAT CYCLING CONSERVATION CHALLENGE MARKS 10TH EDITION WITH RENEWED CALL FOR ENVIROMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Kaptagat, Elgeyo Marakwet County | July 2026

The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Forestry, Gitonga Mugambi,  joined the Principal Secretary for the National Treasury, Chris Kiptoo, who also serves as Patron of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (KICP), and the Principal Secretary for Mining, Harry Kimtai, during the 10th Edition of the Kaptagat Cycling Conservation Challenge held in Kaptagat.

The annual event brought together professional cyclists, paracyclists, and cycling enthusiasts from across the country to promote environmental conservation while encouraging healthy lifestyles through sport.

In the day’s competition, Kendra Masika emerged as the winner in the women’s category, while Lawrence Lorot claimed victory in the men’s 80-kilometre race.

Speaking during the event, PS Mugambi underscored the programme’s contribution to Kenya’s ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032. He noted that the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme continues to play a vital role in restoring and protecting the country’s forest ecosystems, adding that Kenya currently has 32 conservation landscapes under environmental conservation management.

On his part, Dr. Kiptoo highlighted the significant milestones achieved through the initiative, noting that the programme has recorded considerable success in advancing the conservation and restoration of the Kaptagat Forest ecosystem over the past decade.

The Kaptagat Cycling Conservation Challenge forms part of the activities marking the 10th anniversary of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme. The celebrations will culminate on 11 July 2026, when the programme’s milestone achievements will be commemorated during an event to be graced by H.E. President William Ruto.

The Forestry Principal Secretary was accompanied by the Secretary for Forest Development, George Tarus, the Kenya Forest Service Chief Conservator of Forests, Alex Lemarkoko, and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute Chief Executive Officer, Jane Njuguna.