Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing deadly landslides in the Cherangany region, as the government moves to restore degraded ecosystems and protect vulnerable communities.
Speaking during a partners roundtable in Nairobi, Murkomen said the initiative, dubbed the Cherangany Hills Ecosystem Restoration for Livelihood Improvement, Sustainability and Harmony Cherish programme, seeks to combine environmental conservation with sustainable economic opportunities for local residents.
The announcement follows repeated landslides in the region, including the Chesongoch disaster of 31 October 2025, which left several people dead, displaced families and destroyed critical infrastructure.
Murkomen attributed the recurring disasters to environmental degradation, particularly the clearing of forests and settlement on fragile slopes that can no longer absorb heavy rainfall.
The Cherangany Forest ecosystem spans 414,928 hectares across Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia and West Pokot counties. The restoration programme targets 62,038 hectares of degraded escarpments and riparian land while protecting 20 critical water sources.
The initiative is aligned with President William Ruto 15 billion tree growing programme and aims to rehabilitate key water towers that support agriculture and livelihoods across the region.
Murkomen said environmental degradation has intensified competition over scarce resources, contributing to tensions among communities.
He noted that dwindling rivers, shrinking grazing land and water shortages for livestock have heightened the risk of conflict, making restoration efforts critical for both environmental sustainability and social stability.
The 10 year programme will adopt an all of government and all of society approach, bringing together public institutions, private sector players and development partners to ensure long term impact.
Murkomen called on stakeholders to align their programmes with the Cherish framework, urging support for initiatives such as youth training and alternative livelihood projects to reduce dependence on forest resources.
Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa welcomed the initiative, saying the government is promoting a champion led approach to conservation.
She said increased participation by leaders and citizens will accelerate the country progress toward achieving its environmental targets.
The Cherish programme is scheduled for official launch on 22 May 2026 in Elgeyo Marakwet County, in line with the International Day of Biodiversity. The launch will be preceded by the Cherangany Conservation Run on 21 May 2026.
Leaders present at the roundtable included Governor Wisley Rotich, Senator William Kisang and several members of Parliament, alongside senior government officials and representatives from conservation organisations.
Authorities say sustained collaboration and community involvement will be key to the success of the programme as Kenya seeks long term solutions to climate related disasters that continue to threaten lives and livelihoods.
