Principal Secretary for the National Treasury, Dr Chris Kiptoo, being awarded as a national hero by President William Ruto during the Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui on October 20, 2025./HANDOUTIn the commanding
corridors of fiscal policy and national planning, where Kenya’s economic future
is carefully charted, stands a man whose leadership extends far beyond the
balance sheets—into the forests, farms, and hearts of local communities.
On Sunday, Principal
Secretary for the National Treasury, Dr Chris Kiptoo, was named a National Hero
(Shujaa) by President William Ruto for his outstanding contribution to
environmental conservation in a ceremony witnessed by Senegalese President
Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
At the exchequer, he
is known for his deft command of Kenya’s economic framework. His expertise has seen
him serve in both local and international arenas, including the Central Bank of
Kenya (CBK), the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), and the International Monetary Fund
(IMF).
He is credited for the
sound economic environment currently witnessed in the country, including the
lowering of the cost of living and interest rates and the stabilization of the Kenyan
shilling from a high of 160 units against the greenback to the current 129.2 units.
He has played a key
role in fiscal consolidation, Eurobond negotiations, state enterprise reform,
and revenue mobilization since being picked as the lead accounting officer at
the National Treasury by President William Ruto.
Even so, beyond the public
spotlight, Dr. Kiptoo quietly leads one of the country’s most impactful
environmental restoration efforts—not for applause, but because it matters.
The economist who plants trees
For nearly a decade, he
has been the visionary behind the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme
(KICP) — a model initiative proving that climate action and economic
development can thrive together.
Under his leadership,
over 2,765 hectares of degraded forest have been restored, more than 300,000
avocado trees planted, directly benefiting over 28,000 households.
“I’m happy that
through the project, thousands of livelihoods have been created through
sustainable agroforestry and eco-friendly practices
The programme not only
restores forests — it accords dignity by promoting clean energy, eco-friendly
farming, and economic empowerment.”
Dr. Kiptoo’s efforts
are deeply grounded in community-based action. Through initiatives like Pesa Mfukoni,
he has ensured conservation is not a burden, but a blessing for rural families.
Notable interventions
include: Dairy cow distribution in Kaptarakwa, Atarakwa, and Kamwawor to
improve food security and boost income.
Others are the distribution
of over 100,000 coffee seedlings in Tambach Ward, planting of 150,000 tea
seedlings in Kapkoi under forest restoration efforts and distribution of fruit
trees and silos to combat post-harvest losses.
The calm treasury
mandarin dedicated the National Hero Award to the collective effort of communities,
partners, and institutions who have walked the conservation journey with him.
“These projects
reflect a simple philosophy: when you uplift the environment, you uplift people.”
“This honour is a
tribute to the collective effort of our communities, partners, and institutions
who have walked this journey with us. I call on all of us to keep greening
Kenya towards our national commitment of 15 billion trees by 2032.”
He attributed the success
to wide-ranging collaborations with partners like UNDP, WWF-Kenya, Kenya Forest
Service, Safaricom, Athletics Kenya, Kenya Pipeline Company, NETFUND, Eliud
Kipchoge Foundation, and the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet
What started as a
regional program in Kaptagat is now a nationally admired model for how
environmental conservation, climate resilience, and economic inclusion can be
achieved in tandem.
Dr. Chris Kiptoo does
not seek accolades. He plants trees, uplifts communities, and balances the
national budget—often at the same time.
His legacy is not in speeches, but in restored forests, greener farms, fuller pockets, and empowered citizens.
