Kaptagat

There have been 1.7 million trees planted already and the number is growing! Every year, the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (KICP) hosts a community-driven tree-planting event in Kaptagat. This event brings together volunteers, local residents, government officials, and NGOs to participate in the restoration efforts.

The event typically takes place in July and involves planting thousands of trees in degraded forest areas. It’s a crucial component of Kenya’s broader efforts to combat climate change and protect its natural resources.

Kyoto Network is proud to support this initiative by providing resources, technical expertise, and publicity. A carbon calculator and a tree planting flow which allows donors to contribute to Kaptagat was created for this project.

The reforestation project in Kaptagat, Kenya, is crucial for several reasons. First, trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to combat climate change. Second, forests provide habitat for a variety of plant and animal species, promoting biodiversity. Third, trees help to prevent soil erosion and protect water sources, improving water quality. Finally, the project provides employment opportunities and benefits local livelihoods, contributing to community development.

The Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme delivers wide-reaching environmental and socio-economic benefits across the region. By supplying farmers with high-value seedlings such as avocado, macadamia, mango, tree tomato, tea, and coffee, the project supports income diversification and enhances long-term financial resilience for rural households. These tree crops provide both commercial and nutritional value, improving food security while creating reliable revenue streams. Many of the species selected offer additional ecological advantages. Shade trees improve microclimates for sensitive crops, while deep-rooted species stabilise soils, reduce erosion, and support healthier watersheds. The introduction of fast-fruiting and high-yield varieties boosts local agricultural productivity, which strengthens household livelihoods and contributes to regional economic growth. Through continuous tree planting and landscape restoration, the project enhances biodiversity, strengthens forest buffers, and sequesters carbon, reinforcing Kenya’s broader climate mitigation and sustainable land management goals.

Verification and transparency are central to the Kaptagat programme’s long-term success. Each seedling distributed to farmers is recorded in a detailed registry that tracks recipients, planting locations, and crop types. Geo-tagged photographs provide visual confirmation of planting activity and offer an ongoing record of tree growth and field conditions. Distribution logs document the quantities and varieties of seedlings dispatched, ensuring accurate tracking of resources across multiple communities. Regular photographic evidence supports monitoring efforts, helping field teams assess survival rates and crop performance while identifying areas that may require follow-up support. This comprehensive documentation framework allows the project to demonstrate its impact with clarity and accountability, ensuring that both environmental and socio-economic outcomes are measurable and verifiable.