State plans to rehabilitate degraded Chepalungu forest, introduce wildlife

Kenya Forest Service ranger during tree planting in Chepalungu forest, Bomet. [File, Standard] The government has stepped up efforts to rehabilitate the degraded Chepalungu Forest in Bomet County to establish an ecotourism centre. This was revealed during the presentation of the Chepalungu Forest Biodiversity Report at a hotel in Nairobi on Monday. Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi, said Chepalungu Forest suffered extensive destruction during the 2007-2008 post-election violence. Mugambi assured the public that measures have been put in place to restore the forest, including fencing off degraded areas to prevent further encroachment and introducing environmentally friendly wildlife species into the forest. "This initiative aims not only to enhance biodiversity but also to create ecotourism opportunities that will generate income for communities living around the ecosystem. Our main goal is to make conservation sustainable by integrating economic activities that support both livelihoods and environmental preservation," he said. The report is titled "The Status of Chepalungu Forest Ecosystem: Carbon Storage, Wildlife Forage Resources, and Human Activities." It was developed by a multidisciplinary team from the Kenya Forestry Research Institute, Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI), and Bomet County. Mugambi, who was accompanied by Forestry Development Secretary George Tarus, praised the technical team for commendable work. He urged them to accelerate efforts to transform Chepalungu Forest into a benchmark for sustainable forest management, climate resilience, and biodiversity preservation. The forest comprises two blocks: Siongiroi (871 ha) and Kapchumbe (4,000 ha). It has suffered years of degradation due to unsustainable human activities such as illegal logging, charcoal burning, and livestock grazing. However, researchers believe that with targeted interventions, Chepalungu could be restored into a thriving ecological and ecotourism hub. Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok pledged to support efforts to restore the forest, saying that the submission of this report marks a key milestone in the county's environmental strategy. Prof Barchok called on environmental conservation agencies, stakeholders, and development partners to align efforts in restoring one of Kenya's most promising forest ecosystems. "We are now a step closer to realizing our dream of establishing an ecotourism center at Chepalungu Forest, which is a cornerstone of my manifesto," he said. He revealed that following this joint intervention by the county and national government, Chepalungu Forest will become an international benchmark for sustainable forest management, climate resilience, and biodiversity preservation. The multidisciplinary team will now embark on implementing the report. Chepalungu Forest is situated in the Chepalungu Hills, part of the larger Mau Forest Complex. It covers 4,871 hectares, divided into the Siongiroi block (871 hectares) and the Kapchumbe block (4,000 hectares), and is characterised by diverse flora and fauna. The forest is home to various indigenous tree species, including cedar, bamboo, and hardwoods, and provides habitat for numerous animal species such as birds, monkeys, antelopes, and small mammals. The forest also holds cultural significance for the local Kipsigis people, who regard it as a sacred site associated with traditional rituals. With conservation efforts underway and regulations in place, there are great opportunities for ecotourism and outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy activities such as nature walks, bird watching, picnics, and camping amidst serene natural surroundings.

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State plans to rehabilitate degraded Chepalungu forest, introduce wildlife

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