Principal Secretary for the National Treasury, Dr Chris Kiptoo, has been named a National Hero (Shujaa) by President William Ruto for his outstanding contribution to environmental conservation.
Dr Kiptoo received the honour during the Mashujaa Day celebrations held in Kitui County on Sunday. The ceremony was also attended by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who was the chief guest.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, Dr Kiptoo said he was “humbled and deeply honoured” to be recognised for his role in leading the restoration of the Kaptagat ecosystem through the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (KICP).
“For the last nine years, through the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme, we have worked to restore the Kaptagat ecosystem, integrating environmental conservation and livelihood improvement interventions,” he stated.
He added that under the programme, they continue to promote initiatives such as Maji Safi, Kawi Safi, Mazingira Safi, and Pesa Mfukoni, all aimed at empowering communities while protecting the environment.
Dr Kiptoo dedicated the honour to communities, partners, and institutions that have supported the conservation work, noting that it was a result of collective effort.
“This honour is a tribute to the collective effort of our communities, partners and institutions who have walked this journey with us,” he said.
The PS also urged Kenyans to remain committed to the national goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032 as part of the government’s broader environmental and economic transformation agenda.
“I call on all of us to keep greening Kenya towards our national commitment of 15 billion trees by 2032 in addition to transforming the lives of the people in our journey to be a prosperous community in a prosperous nation,” he said.
Dr Kiptoo has been widely recognised for his leadership in championing climate action and sustainable development, with the Kaptagat initiative becoming a model for community-based conservation in Kenya.
