Bomet Governor H.E. Prof. Hillary Barchok, this morning, joined PS, State Department For Forestry Mr. Gitonga Mugambi during the presentation of Chepalungu Forest Biodiversity Report in Nairobi.

The report, titled “The Status of Chepalungu Forest Ecosystem: Carbon Storage, Wildlife Forage Resources and Human Activities”, was developed by a multidisciplinary team from the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), Kenya Wildlife Research and Training Institute (KWRTI), and the County Government of Bomet.

The forest, comprising of Siongiroi (871 ha) and Kapchumbe (4,000 ha) blocks, has suffered years of degradation due to unsustainable human activities such as illegal logging, charcoal burning, and livestock grazing.

However, the County Government of Bomet and other stakeholders have come up with targeted interventions that could see Chepalungu forest roar back to life as a thriving ecological and ecotourism hub.

Speaking during the function, Prof. Barchok said he will spare no effort to restore the forest adding that the submission of the report marked a key milestone in Bomet County’s environmental strategy, calling on all government agencies, conservation stakeholders, and development partners to align efforts in restoring one of Kenya’s most promising forest ecosystems.

On his part, PS Mugambi, who was accompanied by Forestry Development Secretary Mr. George Tarus praised the technical team for their commendable work and urged them to accelerate efforts to transform the Forest into a benchmark for sustainable forest management, climate resilience, and biodiversity preservation.

Also present at the function were Environment Secretary Dr. Selly Kimosop, who was representing PS Environment and Climate Change, Conservation Secretary (Wildlife) Dr. John Chumo, KEFRI CEO Dr. Jane Njuguna and Kenya Forest Service Deputy CCF Zipporah Torotich.