In the heart of the Tugen Hills, where forests and valleys intertwine in breathtaking harmony, lies the Morop-Tarambas Community Conservancy—a shining example of community-driven conservation and reforestation in Baringo County. Covering an impressive 265 square kilometers, this initiative has transformed once-degraded landscapes into thriving green ecosystems, reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to ecological restoration and sustainable development.
Officially founded in 2010, the Morop-Tarambas Conservancy brings together over 3,500 households from the Morop, Tambrass, and Kipkolel Forest regions, uniting them under a shared vision: to restore, regenerate, and preserve the vitality of Baringo’s highlands. The conservancy’s reforestation efforts have been nothing short of remarkable—more than 100,000 trees have been planted in just the past two years, breathing new life into the once-depleted slopes of the Tugen Hills.
The initiative is organized into four zones—Riwo, Sessia, Kasore, and Kapkomoi—each maintaining active tree nurseries that produce thousands of seedlings annually. These nurseries are not only ecological assets but also serve as educational and economic pillars for the community. Schools regularly hold tree-planting days and environmental outreach programs, while local youth and women’s groups lead the charge in nurturing the young forests.
Beyond its environmental mission, Morop-Tarambas Conservancy has become a hub for eco-tourism and cultural preservation. Visitors can explore the scenic Kasore Valley, visit the bamboo project, and hike to landmarks such as Morop Hill, Kikojo Falls, and the Kimng’ochoch Royal Campsite. Each of these sites reveals a different aspect of the region’s natural and cultural richness—from sacred shrines and hidden waterfalls to panoramic lookouts over the Kerio Valley.
The conservancy stands today as a living testament to the power of local action and collective stewardship. It reflects how communities can successfully balance livelihoods, tradition, and conservation, ensuring that future generations inherit a landscape more vibrant than before.
