Ruto to preside over 9th edition of Kaptagat Forest conservation project

*Head of Public Service Felix Koskei (r) and CS for Environment Dr Deborah Barasa during a tree planting exercise at Kaptagat Forest on Friday, July 11, 2025.*

President William Ruto is set to preside over the 9th edition of the Kaptagat Forest Integrated Conservation Programme in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

Ruto will be at Simotwo Secondary School Saturday to lead a tree planting exercise on 34 hectares of the Kaptagat Forest.

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The conservation initiative is spearheaded by Treasury PS Dr. Chris Kiptoo.

Also expected to attend are Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and Environment CS Dr. Deborah Barasa.

Head of Public Service Felix Koskei confirmed that Ruto will be in the region for a series of development activities, including the launch of key projects.

“We will be hosting the President for the conservation project among other activities,” said Koskei, who spoke during a tree planting exercise at Kaptagat.

Dr. Kiptoo has asked residents to welcome the President to the area and to take part in the development programmes.

“The President has been very passionate about conservation programmes in Kaptagat and other parts of the country, and we are happy to host him in our region,” said Kiptoo.

Dr. Kiptoo earlier hosted Koskei, CS Barasa, and representatives from corporate bodies who participated in the tree planting ahead of Ruto’s visit.

*Treasury PS Chris Kiptoo plants a tree in Kaptagat Forest ahead of President William Ruto’s visit on Saturday, July 11, 2025*

The President will also officially hand over the mining licence to Sofax Ltd, the new investor for fluorspar mining, on Saturday at Simotwo Secondary School.

The handover is the only remaining step toward the full revival of the once-vibrant fluorspar mining operations.

Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and PS Harry Kimtai have termed the event as good news for residents of the region.

“This will be a game changer for our youth in terms of job creation and economic empowerment,” said Joho.

*Preparations at Etio Dam which President William Ruto will commission on July 12th 2025. The dam was developed by regional authority KVDA*

He noted that a taskforce set up in 2022 to oversee the revival of the project had successfully delivered.

Ruto will also preside over the commissioning of Etio Dam, developed by KVDA, and later the commissioning of Tiranwe Dam, constructed by the National Irrigation Board.

Dr. Kiptoo said the projects to be presided over by the President would help transform both the environment and the economy of the region.