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By Liz Angango
Nairobi, Kenya: Kaptagat Forest, nestled in the heart of Cherang’any-Elgeyo Hills in Kenya, is more than just a picture-perfect landscape. It is the home of Kenya’s elite marathon runners. A training ground for the world’s elite because of high altitude and pristine air. This natural gem faces many threats, including climate change, deforestation, and overgrazing, among others. Amid these challenges, there is an inspiring story of harmony between sports and nature, and nature and people, and how this has unfolded in the rehabilitation of this forest.
On Monday, the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (KICP) launched the Kaptagat Forest and Kaptagat Cycling Challenge as part of a bold five-year plan to restore the forest’s degraded ecosystem. These sporting events are part of a new milestone for the restoration of the Kaptagat forest, the launch of the One Kilometer, One Acre, One Cow Initiative.
“Iten and its ecosystem are home to champions, and it is our duty to maintain a pristine environment. Through races, cycling, and other activities, we aim to showcase our commitment to environmental stewardship. Let’s come together on the 13th and plant a tree,” said Eng. Peter Tum – Principal Secretary, State Department for Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports & Arts.
This initiative is a community-led programme focused on rehabilitating the forest landscape and enhancing community livelihoods, and seeks to boost the income of forest-adjacent communities through nature-based solutions.
KICP adopted the One Kilometer, One Acre, One Cow Initiative as the flagship programme for the 8th Edition Annual Kaptagat Tree Growing Drive. For seven years, KICP has restored 2,225 hectares of Kaptagat with over 1.8 million trees planted.
More about One Kilometre, One Acre, One Cow Initiative
The initiative seeks to fence off 27km of the Kaptagat Forest. But with the fencing of every One Kilometer, the community in the areas stands to benefit from improved conservation of water bodies for enhanced access to water for irrigation and distribution. Community members will also gain from high-yielding livestock breeds via the innovative “cow hotel” model, benefiting 28,000 households. Additionally, the introduction of biogas units will reduce reliance on the forest for fuelwood.
To further promote conservation through sports, the annual Kaptagat Forest Marathon and Kaptagat Cycling Challenge will be launched during the 8th Edition.
Mohammed Awer, the Chief Executive Officer of WWF-Kenya, praised the initiative, describing it as a holistic approach to forest conservation that prioritizes community empowerment.
“This project harnesses Kenya’s athletic prowess for environmental conservation. Just as our runners excel on the world stage, we are now running and cycling to restore Kaptagat Forest, demonstrating that our winning spirit extends beyond sports,” said Awer.
Proceeds from the Kaptagat Forest Marathon and Kaptagat Cycling Challenge will support the restoration and livelihoods empowerment programme, with prize money nurturing talent across the country.
Cyclists like Carol Mbutura from Kenya’s Cyclopedia Group expressed their commitment to environmental conservation through cycling.
“Cycling is not only for health but also for the environment. We have cycled to Kaptagat to plant trees and promote eco-friendly commuting,” she shared during the launch.
Martin Ngoshi, an elite cyclist, highlighted the transformative power of cycling.
“Cycling is a non-motorized way to connect with nature and conserve energy,” he explained.
“We are empowering young cyclists in Kaptagat through our Team Amani initiative, ensuring that cycling becomes a sustainable way of life.”
The event, attended by various stakeholders including representatives from the sports fraternity, was presided over by Dr. Chris Kiptoo, Patron of the KICP and Principal Secretary of the National Treasury, alongside Gitonga Mugambi- PS, State Department for Forestry, Ephantus Kimotho – PS, State Department for Irrigation, Mohamed Awer- Our CEO at WWF-Kenya, and Hon. Joseph Lagat – Chairman of the organising committee for the 8th Edition.
