Head of Public Service Felix Koskei
has praised the Kaptagat Forest Conservation initiative, saying it is one of
the key projects that reflect the government’s commitment to environmental
sustainability and community empowerment.
Koskei said the programme,
spearheaded by Treasury PS Dr. Chris Kiptoo, would not only help conserve
forests but also benefit thousands of households through clean energy and
improved livelihoods.
He was speaking at Kaptagat during a
tree planting exercise attended by corporate groups ahead of the 9th edition of
the Kaptagat Forest Integrated Conservation Programme.
Koskei noted that the government was
committed to achieving the 15 billion tree target in the next ten years as
outlined in President William Ruto’s environmental plan.
He also said all other programmes
initiated by the president were on course, urging Kenyans to remain hopeful for
improved living standards.
“We want all Kenyans to know that we
are doing well, and more is to come as we roll out programmes aimed at
benefiting Kenyans,” said Koskei.
He cited progress in agriculture,
the Social Health Authority (SHA), university reforms, and the affordable
housing programme as some of the success areas.
Koskei said under the Kaptagat
initiative, more than 28,000 households would receive hybrid dairy cattle to
support milk production and biogas systems for cooking. He noted this would
significantly help local women adopt clean energy.
“That’s why we are asking everyone
in this area to embrace this programme because of its long-term benefits to the
region and the country,” he said.
Koskei announced that President Ruto
would attend the main tree planting event at Simotwo Secondary School on
Thursday.
He was accompanied by Environment CS
Dr. Deborah Barasa and a host of permanent secretaries.
Over 34 hectares of land were
planted during the Kaptagat exercise, and Koskei said more would be done to
ensure the plan’s success.
Dr. Kiptoo said he was pleased that
the community had embraced the conservation programme and that it was firmly on
course.
“We are on course to fully
rehabilitate the Kaptagat Forest, and we thank all those who have been part of
this journey,” said Kiptoo.
He also praised President Ruto for
supporting the initiative and mobilising community participation.
Kiptoo said the conservation project
would also uplift locals through the planting of high-value crops such as
avocados.
“This will help empower our
communities economically while ensuring we protect the environment,” he said.
