National Treasury Principal Secretary and Patron of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (Kaptagat-ICP), Dr. Chris Kiptoo, on Saturday flagged off the fourth edition of the Kaptagat Cycling Challenge, officially setting in motion one of Kenya’s premier sporting events that combines elite competition with environmental conservation.
Held at Kaptagat Farm Resort in Elgeyo Marakwet County, this year’s challenge has attracted hundreds of cyclists from Kenya and beyond, all competing across elite, para-cycling, junior, veteran, youth and team categories on the demanding 80-kilometre high-altitude course winding through the Kaptagat Forest ecosystem.
The event boasts a total prize purse of KSh4 million, making it one of the country’s most lucrative cycling competitions.
Winners in the elite men’s and women’s races, para-cycling and team categories will each pocket KSh200,000, while junior champions will receive KSh30,000, veteran winners KSh20,000, and youth champions KSh10,000.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Dr. Kiptoo said the challenge has grown beyond a sporting competition into a platform that advances conservation and community development.
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“The Kaptagat Cycling Challenge is far more than a race. It is a celebration of purpose where sport, forest restoration and community livelihoods come together in one extraordinary experience,” he said.
He noted that every kilometre ridden contributes to restoring the Kaptagat Forest ecosystem while inspiring more Kenyans to participate in environmental conservation.
The fourth edition of the cycling challenge coincides with the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme, which has transformed forest restoration by linking conservation with sustainable livelihoods under its four pillars of Pesa Mfukoni, Kawi Safi Nyumbani, Maji Nyumbani and Mazingira Safi.
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Dr. Kiptoo also reaffirmed the programme’s ambitious “10 to 20” vision, which seeks to double its conservation impact over the next decade.
“As we mark the 10th edition of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme, we are launching our ’10 to 20′ vision, a commitment to double our impact over the next decade. Our model uniquely integrates sports, conservation and sustainable livelihoods, proving that environmental protection and economic empowerment can advance together,” he said.
Beyond the race for podium places and prize money, organisers say every participant leaves behind a lasting conservation legacy through tree planting and support for the restoration of the Kaptagat Forest ecosystem, a critical section of the Cherangani Hills Water Tower that supports biodiversity, water security and climate resilience.
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