(Bomet) – The national and Bomet County governments have prioritized restoring and conserving the Chepalungu Forest ecosystem, aligning with global climate action efforts. In a significant conservation push, Bomet County is moving forward with plans to establish the Chepalungu Wildlife Sanctuary, which is expected to strengthen ecotourism and promote biodiversity in the region.
Governor Hillary Barchok’s office released a statement emphasizing the collaborative approach, involving the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private sector partners, and additional government agencies. The plan focuses on reintroducing wildlife to the forest, aiming to attract tourists while supporting environmental sustainability.
“The restoration of Chepalungu Forest and establishment of a wildlife sanctuary are crucial for conserving our rich biodiversity and growing ecotourism in Bomet. My administration is committed to working with national agencies, conservationists, and local stakeholders to achieve these goals,” stated Governor Barchok’s office.
To advance this conservation agenda, the county government is engaging with experts and officials in wildlife conservation. Recent talks included Conservation Secretary Dr. John Chumo from the State Department of Wildlife and high-ranking officials from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Dr. Chumo and his team were in Bomet to discuss strategies for protecting Chepalungu’s unique flora and fauna.
During his visit, Dr. Chumo expressed enthusiasm about the partnership’s progress. “Today, we took an important step forward by assessing the Chepalungu ecosystem. Our collective efforts will bring us closer to realizing the vision of a thriving wildlife sanctuary that will not only protect the environment but also create economic growth opportunities through ecotourism,” he said.
The conservation delegation conducted an on-site assessment of Chepalungu Forest’s tourism potential, which county officials see as a promising step toward realizing both conservation and economic objectives for the region.