Principal Secretary for the National Treasury, Dr. Chris Kiptoo, CBS, has been nominated for national hero status by the National Heroes Council, in recognition of his transformative work in environmental conservation through the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Program (KICP).
The PS founded the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Program (KICP) in response to deforestation and land degradation within the Kaptagat forest ecosystem.
Through this initiative, over 2,765 hectares of degraded forest have been restored, and more than 300,000 high-value avocado trees planted.
These efforts have directly benefited over 28,000 households, promoting both ecological resilience and economic empowerment.
His nomination is among 14 outstanding Kenyans celebrated for their pioneering roles in restoring ecosystems, combating climate change, and promoting sustainable practices.
Caleb Ambulwa Burudi has also been honoured for his contribution to spearheading tree planting campaigns nationwide, planting over 2 million trees and establishing nurseries to support Kenya’s 15 billion tree target by 2032.
His “Tree for Peace” project has restored ecosystems and fostered cross-county harmony.
Other nominees include Thomas Mbithi Musili, recognized for his commitment to environmental conservation through e-waste management initiatives, David Mutembei Festus, recognised for his contribution to environmental conservation especially preservation and protection of endangered wildlife, Yunis Ibrahim Sheikh recognised for spearheading the Eldas Afforestation and Greenification Programme, planting over 1 million trees in five years, transforming the arid region’s economic and ecological landscape.
Lillian Letiwa and Jerono Recho Kibet are female environmentalists recognized for mobilizing communities, refugees, and displaced persons in tree planting, waste management, and sustainability education.
Benard Kipkorir Koech, James Makau Muthui, and Stephen Kihuni Wachira are also honored for grassroots mobilization, institutional greening programs, and long-standing partnerships with the Kenya Defence Forces in tree planting under the Environmental Soldier Programme.
Joyce Gachugi Waweru also appears in the list of nominees for her innovation in eliminating plastic waste and promoting sustainable packaging practices.
On the other hand, Joseph Towet is being recognised for his initiative that reclaimed degraded land and contributed to restoring key biodiversity within Bomet County.
Alfred Okoth Ochola and Dominic Kibitok Tanui are also recognized for engaging local communities in mitigating human-wildlife conflict, bamboo value chain development, and strengthening local community forest associations.
According to the notice released by the National Heroes Council on September 16, 2025, the public is invited to submit any objections or representations on the proposed honorees on its official website, www.heroes.go.ke, by September 30, 2025.
"Objections and representations (through sworn affidavits) should be submitted within 14 days of publication of this notice that is by September 30, 2025 through;[email protected], [email protected], [email protected],hand delivered to office of the Chief Executive Officer, National Heroes Council, Mezzanine Floor, Embankment Plaza, Upper Hill or sent via post to The Chief Executive Officer, National Heroes Council P.O Box 30001-00100, Nairobi," the notice read in part.
The nominations come under the framework of the Kenya Heroes Act No. 5 of 2014, which empowers the Council to honor individuals whose efforts have had a significant impact on the country’s progress and well-being.
