Murkomen Unveils Bold Plan to Restore Cherangany Ecosystem After Deadly Landslides
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has unveiled an ambitious plan to restore the Cherangany ecosystem following recurring landslides that have left a trail of destruction and loss of lives in the region.
Speaking in Nairobi during a high-level partners’ roundtable, Murkomen said the programme dubbed CHERISH (Cherangany Hills Ecosystem Restoration for Livelihood Improvement, Sustainability and Harmony) will focus on environmental conservation while unlocking sustainable livelihoods for affected communities.
The CS referenced the October 31 Chesongoch landslide tragedy, describing it as a stark warning on the dangers of environmental degradation.
“We lost lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure because hill slopes left bare and unstable could no longer withstand heavy rains,” he said.
Murkomen warned that continued destruction of forest cover has worsened competition over scarce resources, increasing the risk of conflict among communities.
The Cherangany Forest, a critical water tower spanning four counties, has faced years of degradation due to human activity.
Aligned with William Ruto’s 15-billion-tree growing agenda, the CHERISH programme targets the restoration of over 62,000 hectares of degraded land, protection of key water sources and promotion of alternative livelihoods to ease pressure on forests.
Murkomen said the 10-year initiative will bring together government, private sector and development partners in a coordinated effort.
“When rivers dry up and grazing land dwindles, desperation turns into conflict,” he noted, urging stakeholders to support youth empowerment and peace-building initiatives.
Environment CS Deborah Mlongo Barasa backed the initiative, calling for more leaders to champion conservation efforts in their regions.
“Together we can achieve more. This ministry will fully support such initiatives,” she said.
The programme will be officially launched on May 22, 2026, in Elgeyo-Marakwet County to coincide with the International Day for Biological Diversity, with a conservation run scheduled a day earlier.
