President William Ruto’s 15 billion tree-planting initiative has hit a snag right in the heart of the North Rift, particularly Eldoret.
In Eldoret, a group of local farmers has raised alarm over what they call contract violations and hidden agendas in a government-backed environmental conservation project.
At the center of the storm is Green Planet Initiative (GPI) and its successor Earthtree Kenya, the new entity overseeing the program.
This drama is unfolding at Kenmosa Village, a well-known landmark just off the Eldoret-Eldama Ravine highway, where tensions between farmers and project managers are boiling over.
What Sparked the Protest in Eldoret?
Things came to a head when security guards at GPI’s offices in Eldoret denied farmers entry—on orders from the management. The angry farmers blocked part of the busy highway for over an hour, demanding answers. The standoff was not just about access, but about trust, land, and livelihoods.
Key Concerns Raised by Eldoret Farmers
- Contract terms allegedly changed without notice
- Original 5-year lease extended to 44 years without consent
- Limited use of leased ancestral lands
- New lease agreements presented under pressure
“We never agreed to 44 years. We want out,” said Ms. Margaret Koech, a farmer who claims she was blindsided by the changes. Mr. Wilfred Yego added, “We’re afraid of losing our ancestral land for generations.”
Earthtree Kenya Responds
Earthtree Kenya has pushed back against the accusations. According to legal officer Janet Cherop, all contracts were fair and voluntarily signed. She attributed the backlash to former employees with personal grievances.
“Our relationship with current farmers is cordial,” she stated, though she declined to disclose contract details due to confidentiality.
Meanwhile, some local farmers like Ruth Kemboi, Chair of the Kenya Farmers Association in Uasin Gishu, have voiced support for the project.
“I farm near the Earthtree nursery and have seen the benefits firsthand—job creation, improved incomes, and better land management,” Kemboi said.
The Bigger Picture: Conservation vs. Community Rights
At its core, this dispute in Eldoret highlights a growing challenge in Kenya’s climate strategy: balancing national environmental goals with local community rights.
While tree-planting is crucial for fighting climate change, transparency and consent are equally essential.
What’s at Stake?
- Success of the 15 billion tree campaign
- Public trust in conservation projects
- Legal and ethical use of ancestral land
- Future of community-based environmental partnerships
Final Thoughts
This unfolding drama in Eldoret sends a strong message: even the most ambitious national plans must engage local communities fairly and transparently.
As the debate over land rights and conservation deepens, all eyes are on how government agencies and private partners will resolve this standoff.
For residents of Eldoret and the greater Uasin Gishu County, this is more than a policy issue—it’s about protecting land, legacy, and livelihoods.
