Nairobi: The Government has announced a comprehensive strategy to restore 62,038 hectares of degraded escarpments and riparian land, protect 20 springs, and secure water towers, while also creating 500,000 green jobs for youth in bee-keeping, agroforestry, and eco-tourism. Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary (CS), Kipchumba Murkomen, emphasized the importance of the Cherangany Hills ecosystem, which is one of Kenya's five critical water towers, spanning 414,928 hectares across Elgeyo-Marakwet, West Pokot, Trans-Nzoia, and Uasin Gishu counties.

According to Kenya News Agency, the ecosystem has suffered from unregulated human activities, leading to loss of lives, biodiversity, and recurring landslides. Currently, 15 percent of the ecosystem is severely degraded, while 67 percent is moderately degraded, with significant loss of forest cover and grassland. Murkomen outlined the government's Cherangany Hills Ecosystem Restoration for Livelihood Improvement, Sustainability and Harmony (CHERISH) programme, a ten-year strategic intervention aligned with the President's 15 billion Tree Agenda.

During a partners' briefing, Murkomen announced the official launch of the CHERISH programme on 22nd May 2026, in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, coinciding with the International Day of Biodiversity. The launch will be preceded by the inaugural Cherangany Conservation Run on 21st May 2026. The event will have distinguished attendees including Dr. Deborah Barasa, Governor Wisley Rotich, Senator William Kisang, MPs Timothy Toroitich, Adams Kipsanai, and Caroline Ng'elechei, along with other government officials and stakeholders.

Partners supporting the initiative include UNDP, Equity Group and Foundation, KCB, IGAD, WRI, OKM Foundation, Soipan Tuya Foundation, KEPSA, KALRO, Kenyatta University, WWF Kenya, KenGen, KWS, Kenya Forest Service, Water Resources Authority, Nyayo Tea Zones Development Corporation, Nature Kenya, and Kenya Accreditation Service.