KMTC Strengthens Support for Kaptagat Conservation Programme
The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has strengthened its support for the 10th Edition of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (KICP) through the donation of fruit tree seedlings, aligning its efforts with one of Kenya’s flagship community-led conservation initiatives. The Kaptagat Forest ecosystem, which includes the Kipkabus, Penon, Kaptagat, Sabor, Kessup and Elgeyo forest stations, is a critical water tower supporting thousands of livelihoods in the North Rift region.
KMTC’s contribution will support ongoing forest restoration while promoting sustainable livelihoods among communities living next to the Kaptagat Forest. By providing fruit tree seedlings, the College is helping households diversify into high-value crops such as avocado, coffee and cocoa, thereby improving incomes while increasing tree cover in support of the Government’s 15 billion Tree Growing Programme.
KMTC joined national leaders, development partners and local communities during the programme held from July 4 to 11, 2026, in Keiyo South, Elgeyo Marakwet County. The week-long activities culminated on Saturday, July 11, 2026, in a major milestone for the Kaptagat ecosystem, which has now completed the restoration of its remaining degraded forest sections and is transitioning into a new phase focused on rehabilitating the Keiyo Escarpment and hanging valleys, as well as expanding tree growing on community and private farms.
The event was presided over by Deputy President H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki and attended by Head of Public Service Mr. Felix Koskei, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, Principal Secretary for the National Treasury Dr. Chris Kiptoo, and other senior government officials. Leaders described KICP as a leading example and “blueprint” for community-led conservation that integrates environmental restoration, climate action and sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking on behalf of the College, Board Chairperson Mr. Joseah K. Cheruiyot reiterated that environmental conservation and public health are closely linked. “Healthy forests support healthy communities. By investing in environmental conservation and community outreach, KMTC is contributing to a healthier, more resilient Kenya while supporting the Government’s environmental agenda,” he said. He noted that KMTC’s partnership with KICP demonstrates how health training institutions can play a practical role in advancing climate resilience and preventive healthcare.
KMTC staff and students also conducted a free medical camp during the event, providing health education, screening, consultations, treatment and referrals to residents and participants, including athletes and community members taking part in the Kaptagat Forest Marathon and associated races. The marathon, now in its third edition, has evolved from the Kaptagat Forest Run in 2024 and the Kaptagat Forest Half Marathon in 2025 into a full marathon used to raise awareness on conservation, climate action and healthy lifestyles.
This year’s programme targeted the planting of more than 800,000 tree seedlings across the Sabor and Penon Forest Blocks, contributing to ecosystem restoration, watershed protection, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience under the Government’s 15 billion Tree Growing Programme. The integration of tree growing, livelihoods support and public health services underscores the holistic nature of KICP as a national model for sustainable development.
KMTC has remained a key partner in the initiative.
During the ninth edition in 2025, the College donated and planted hundreds of fruit tree seedlings, contributing to an exercise that saw more than 59,000 seedlings planted across the Kapchorwa and Kipkabus Forest Blocks. The College’s continued participation reflects its long-term commitment to environmental stewardship, community service and preventive healthcare, and its readiness to support the next decade of action under the theme “10 to 20: Restore. Sustain. Transform.”
Also present were Board Director Mr. Paul Kaino Cheboi, staff and students from KMTC Eldoret and Iten Campuses, who joined other stakeholders in tree planting, community outreach and health promotion activities.
