Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Friday launched the Cherangany Ecosystem Restoration Programme (CHERISH) in Kapyego, Elgeyo-Marakwet County.

The government's initiative aims to restore degraded ecosystems and boost environmental conservation across the country.

The launch coincided with the commemoration of International Biodiversity Day, which the Deputy President said offered an opportunity for the country to reflect on the importance of protecting the environment for present and future generations.

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In a statement, Kindiki said biodiversity conservation remains critical to Kenya’s climate resilience, food security, agriculture, water resources, and public health.

“Maintaining the natural environmental quantities of the world’s species of flora and fauna is intricately linked to our climate, our agriculture, our food security and even public health,” he said.

The CHERISH programme is an initiative of the OKM Foundation, whose patron is Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.

The initiative aims to accelerate restoration efforts within the Cherangany ecosystem, one of Kenya’s key water towers that plays a critical role in environmental sustainability and water catchment protection.

Kindiki reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding the constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment for all Kenyans.

“The Government is committed to promoting the right to a clean and healthy environment promised in the Constitution of Kenya as a right of every person who lives within our borders,” he said.

The Deputy President also highlighted progress made under the national tree planting campaign launched in 2022, which seeks to plant and grow 15 billion trees by 2032.

According to the statement, the programme has already recorded significant progress.

He noted that the initial structural and logistical challenges that had slowed implementation have now been addressed, paving the way for accelerated tree planting and ecosystem restoration efforts.

“The initiative that commenced in 2022 to plant and grow 15 billion trees by 2032 is on course, with 1.7 billion trees planted so far,” Kindiki said.

He added that restoration activities within Kenya’s five major water towers — Mt Kenya, the Aberdare Ranges, Mau Forest, Cherangany Hills, and Mt Elgon — had gained momentum as part of broader environmental conservation efforts.