H.E The President Dr. William Samoei Ruto C.G.H launched the National Tree Growing and Restoration Campaign in 2022 with a target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032. This will increase the tree cover from the current 12% to 30% by 2032.Tree growing plays a critical role in curbing effects of climate change by reducing greenhouse emissions, stopping and reversing deforestation,
The Authority joined in the tree growing at Kirandich Dam catchment area on 18th August, 2023 ahead of the Kirdam half Marathon that was held in Kabarnet, Baringo County on 19th August, 2023, whose theme was “Athletics against climate change, an effort to raise awareness of the climate change menace.”
The Cabinet Secretary Ministry Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Mr. Simon Chelugui who was the chief guest at the event urged the community to take personal initiative in environment conservation by ensuring they take care of trees planted so that they grow and help in curbing effects of climate change.
Baringo County Governor H.E Benjamin Cheboi, said the race helped to search and identify talent, promote local tourism, and create family-fun day for residents and sports enthusiasts. He called for the need to enhance awareness about climate change adding the region’s tourist potential will be enhanced through the road-race by promoting the unique, exotic terrain that has produced some of the leading Kenyan athletes.
Ag. Chief Executive Officer, Eng. John Muhia noted that the dam has not filled up to capacity in a long time due to less rainfall experienced in the area hence, planting and growing trees will not only attract more rain but will also ensure the water in the dam is clean.
Kenya Forest Service Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. Alex Lemarkoko commended the community for their conservation efforts and urged them to keep up the good work noting that the county is home to a wide variety of indigenous trees.
The 2023 edition of the Kirdam Half Marathon and Road Race featured 21km, 10km and 6km, with prices awarded to the top ten athletes in both men and women categories. The Authority’s team run the corporate race and was awarded a certificate for participation.
The aim of the event was to to expand efforts to mitigate climate change effects by planting over 50,000 trees and distributing water tanks to deserving households and schools in Baringo Central Constituency.
Kirdam Half Marathon will use the proceeds of the race to support environmental conservation initiatives in the local community and the wider Baringo County. Some of these activities are tree growing along the Kirandich Dam Water catchment area, rainwater harvesting and storage at household and institutional level, promoting healthy living through sports and enhancing awareness on climate change.
As one of the key sponsors of the event, we gave water storage tanks and tree seedlings. Other sponsors of the event were the Kenya Forest Service, Royal Media Services, WaterFund, NETFUND, Athletics Kenya, Retirement Benefits Authority and Kenya Ports Authority.
Also present at the event were the Kirdam Marathon Patron who is also the Baringo Central MP Hon. Joshua Kandie, Government Administration led by Baringo County Commissioner Mr. Stephen Sangolo, Marathon’s Chairman Isaiah Cherutich and a German delegation led by the Mayor of Gersthofen Mr. Michael Woerle.
The Authority, which was then operating as National Water Conservation & Pipeline Corporation, constructed Kirandich dam which was commissioned in 2001. The dam has a capacity of 14 Million m3 serving Kabarnet town and the neighbouring villages of Kituro, Kapsoo and Kabartonjo.
