Murkomen Leads Launch of KSh15 Billion CHERISH Programme to Restore Cherangany Hills Ecosystem

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has launched an ambitious KSh15 billion programme aimed at restoring and conserving the Cherangany Hills ecosystem, one of Kenya’s most important water towers that supports millions of people across the Rift Valley and beyond.

Speaking during the official launch of the Cherangany Hills Ecosystem Restoration for Livelihood Improvement, Sustainability and Harmony (CHERISH) initiative at Tebe Grounds in Kapyego Ward, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, Murkomen said the programme marks a major step toward reversing decades of environmental degradation and protecting livelihoods that depend on the ecosystem.

The ten-year programme seeks to restore the vast Cherangany Hills ecosystem, which spans 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 serves as a critical source of water for more than 22 major rivers flowing into Lake Victoria and Lake Turkana.

Murkomen, who is the patron of the initiative, described the ecosystem as a national treasure whose destruction poses serious environmental, social and economic risks to the country.

“The Cherangany Hills ecosystem is not only a lifeline for communities living around it, but also a strategic national resource that supports agriculture, biodiversity, water security and climate resilience. Protecting it is not optional; it is a responsibility we owe future generations,” Murkomen said.

He warned that unregulated human activities, including illegal logging, encroachment, charcoal burning and unsustainable farming practices, had caused widespread degradation in the region, increasing the frequency of natural disasters and threatening the livelihoods of thousands of residents.

Murkomen linked the environmental destruction to recurring tragedies in the region, including the deadly Chesongoch landslide disaster that struck in October last year, killing residents and displacing families.

“The devastating landslides and environmental disasters we continue to witness are a painful reminder that nature always responds to how we treat it. If we destroy forests and water catchment areas, we expose our people to danger, poverty and food insecurity,” he said.

He noted that the CHERISH initiative had been designed as a community-driven programme that places local residents at the center of conservation efforts. According to Murkomen, the project will focus on forest restoration, rehabilitation of degraded landscapes, protection of water sources, promotion of sustainable livelihoods and strengthening climate adaptation measures.

The programme will also involve extensive tree planting campaigns, conservation education, enforcement against illegal activities and partnerships with development agencies, community groups and private sector stakeholders.

Murkomen praised local communities for embracing conservation efforts and urged residents to take ownership of the initiative to ensure its long-term success.

“This programme is not about government alone. It is about communities, leaders, institutions and partners coming together to protect a resource that sustains millions of lives. Conservation must become part of our everyday culture,” he said.

The launch ceremony coincided with the celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 and attracted hundreds of residents, conservationists, government officials and development partners.

Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, who was the chief guest during the event, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Kindiki said the Kenya Kwanza administration recognizes the critical role played by water towers such as Cherangany Hills in ensuring food security, clean water supply and climate stability.

“The future of our country depends heavily on how well we protect our natural resources. Programmes like CHERISH demonstrate that sustainable development and environmental protection must go hand in hand,” said the Deputy President.

Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa hailed the initiative as a timely intervention that aligns with Kenya’s broader climate action agenda and efforts to increase forest cover across the country.

Barasa said restoring degraded ecosystems remains critical in mitigating the effects of climate change, including droughts, floods and erratic weather patterns.

Governors Wisley Rotich, Jonathan Chelilim and Simon Kachapin also pledged support for the initiative, saying county governments would work closely with the national government and local communities to safeguard the ecosystem.

The leaders emphasized the need for stronger policies and stricter enforcement measures to curb illegal activities that continue to threaten forests and water catchment areas.

Several Members of Parliament attended the event, including Senator William Kisang, County MP Caroline Ng’elechei, Kangogo Bowen (Marakwet East), Timothy Kipchumba (Marakwet West), Adams Kipsanai (Keiyo North), and Dr. Gideon Kimaiyo (Keiyo South).

Also present were Principal Secretaries Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno (Environment and Climate Change), Gitonga Mugambi (Forestry), Dr. Chris Kiptoo (National Treasury), Dr. Belio Kipsang (Immigration and Citizens Services), Dr. Salome Beacco (Correctional Services), Joel Arumonyang (Public Works), Harry Kimtai (Mining), and Aurelia Rono (Parliamentary Affairs).

Others in attendance included Chairperson of the OKM Foundation Gladys Kipchumba, Elgeyo-Marakwet County Commissioner David Kosgei, Members of County Assembly led by Speaker Lawi Kibire, conservation groups, elders and representatives from partner organizations supporting the programme.

Murkomen thanked all stakeholders who had supported the initiative and called for sustained collaboration in restoring the ecosystem.

“We appreciate every partner, institution and individual who has chosen to stand with us in this noble cause. The restoration of Cherangany Hills is not a one-day event; it is a long-term commitment that requires unity, sacrifice and determination,” he said.

He further challenged young people to take an active role in environmental conservation, noting that climate change and environmental degradation pose one of the greatest threats to future generations.

“As leaders, we must inspire our youth to become champions of conservation. The forests, rivers and biodiversity we protect today will determine the quality of life for generations to come,” Murkomen added.

The CHERISH initiative is expected to transform conservation efforts in the region by integrating environmental restoration with economic empowerment and sustainable livelihood programmes for local communities.

Experts say the success of the programme could significantly improve water security, reduce the risk of environmental disasters and enhance biodiversity conservation within the larger Rift Valley ecosystem.

As the country continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, leaders at the launch emphasized that protecting key ecosystems such as Cherangany Hills remains central to Kenya’s environmental sustainability and economic future.