Over 200 Cyclists Tackle Kaptagat Terrain for Forest Conservation, Community Empowerment
The event, now in its 9th edition, drew elite and amateur cyclists from Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan.
Cyclists participating in a race in Kaptagat over the weekend.
By Mercy Chelangat
More than 200 cyclists participated in the 2025 Kaptagat Cycling Challenge on Saturday, July 5, navigating a chilly 40-kilometre forest trail near Eldoret to support forest restoration and local development under the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme.
The event, now in its 9th edition, drew elite and amateur cyclists from Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan.
Fresh from international competitions, Ndung’u Wa Kieya emerged victorious in the men’s category, while Monica Jelimo, the Kenya Cycling Federation Series leader, claimed the women’s title.
Kieya, who trains in Limuru, attributed his win to the cool, foggy conditions similar to his training environment in Limuru.
“The weather here favoured me. It was cold and foggy, like Limuru,” he said. “This win is personal. I had a few challenges recently and wanted to prove to myself that I still have the will.”
Jelimo, who finished third last year, said the victory boosts her confidence as she eyes international races.
“This race means a lot to me. It’s not just a challenge, it’s about making an impact. The cool forest ecosystem is perfect, and it’s encouraging to see cycling being used to conserve the environment,” she said.
Race organizers noted the growth of the event since its launch in 2021, from a simple marathon to a major cycling competition featuring eight categories and a KSh 2 million prize.
Jackson Kiplagat, WWF Kenya’s Head of Conservation Programmes, said the event is part of a broader effort to restore the Kaptagat ecosystem.
Entry fees support four community projects:
• Pesa Mfukoni (livestock and biogas loans)
• Maji Safi Nyumbani (clean water)
• Kawi Safi Nyumbani (household biogas and electricity)
• Mazingira Safi (tree planting in and around the forest).
Elgeyo Marakwet County Forest Conservator Paul Koech said 511 of 540 targeted degraded hectares in Kaptagat have been restored, with over 3,000 hectares rehabilitated since 2017.
More than 300,000 avocado, coffee, and tea seedlings have been distributed to promote on-farm forestry.
This year’s race also had a wellness component. All Mutual Life Assurance unveiled its Thrive App, promoting holistic health by tracking physical activity, nutrition, mental well-being, and financial goals.
The cycling challenge is part of the lead-up to the 9th Annual Tree Growing and Livelihoods event on July 12, where President William Ruto is expected to lead a major tree-planting drive near Simotwo Boys High School.
“Combining sports and conservation is proving successful,” said Koech. “We hope to replicate this model in other forest ecosystems.”
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