The government has unveiled a Sh15 billion long-term restoration programme aimed at reversing the degradation of the Cherangany Hills ecosystem, one of Kenya’s most important water towers, amid rising concerns over environmental destruction and climate-related disasters.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the Cherangany Hills landscape remains a critical national asset, describing it as a biodiversity-rich ecosystem that supports millions of people across the Rift Valley and beyond through its extensive water catchment network.
Spanning about 414,928 hectares across Trans-Nzoia, Elgeyo-Marakwet, West Pokot and Uasin Gishu counties, the ecosystem includes 22 gazetted forests covering nearly 100,000 hectares and feeds more than 22 major rivers that drain into Lake Victoria and Lake Turkana basins.
Murkomen warned that unchecked human activities have severely degraded the ecosystem, contributing to environmental disasters, including the deadly Chesongoch landslide in October last year and recurring incidents in the region.
To address the crisis, the government has launched the Cherangany Hills Ecosystem Restoration for Livelihood Improvement, Sustainability and Harmony (CHERISH) programme, a 10-year initiative designed to restore ecological balance while improving community livelihoods.
The programme will be community-driven and implemented in partnership with development stakeholders.
“We are committed to restoring this vital ecosystem through a structured, inclusive and sustainable approach,” Murkomen said, noting that he will serve as the patron of the initiative.
The launch event, held at Tebe Grounds in Kapyego Ward, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, was officiated by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as Chief Guest, coinciding with the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026.
Environment, Climate Change and Forestry CS Deborah Barasa joined county leaders and national government officials in pledging support for the restoration agenda.
Governors Wisley Rotich, Jonathan Chelilim and Simon Kachapin were among leaders present, alongside MPs, principal secretaries and senior government officials.