Bomet County Governor Hillary Barchok has called upon members of local communities to uphold tree growing and protection of forests for the sake of environmental conservation and climate change resilience.
Barchok said proper forest conservation was key in the balance of the eco-system, providing abodes for animal life and rains to facilitate crop production for food security.
The Governor was speaking at Chepalungu Forest in Bomet County during the celebrations to mark the 2025 International Day of Forests, whose theme was “Forests and Food.”
The peak of the event was marked by an afforestation tree planting exercise at Chepalungu Forest Station (Kapchumbe Block) in Ndanai Abosi Ward of Sotik Sub County, where the celebration was graced by the Principal Secretary State Department of Forestry, Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, who represented the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Hon. Aden Duale.
The once natural habitat Chepalungu forest has lately been under threat from encroachment, deforestation and general degradation, and Barchok reiterated the government’s commitment to have the expansive forest in the South Rift region restored.
He thanked both state and non-state actors who have moved in to ensure that all the efforts are put in place to rejuvenate the forest.
“We are grateful for all the partners who have joined hands with us in this noble cause to restore Chepalungu Forest to its past glory. The partners include: Kenya Forest Service, African Development Bank, Kenya Wildlife Service, Smach Foundation, Kengen, Bomet University College, Chepalungu Forest Association, Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Kenya Forest Research Institute (KEFRI) among others,” said the governor.
He equally thanked the Smach Foundation (NGO), which has since offered to adopt up to 200 acres of Kapchumbe Block of the forest for rehabilitation.
The Smach Foundation also donated assorted equipment, including water tanks, wheelbarrows, jembes, and spades, among other items, to neighbouring schools to help in the nurturing of tree nurseries to facilitate reforestation.
The initiative by the Smach Foundation is aimed at involving school children in tree growing and conservation for sustainability.
The governor appealed to members of the public to continue planting trees and taking care of the existing forests in line with the government’s reforestation campaigns.
He however advised for the planting of water friendly tree varieties in water catchment and riparian areas.
By Erick Ongeri
