By Faith Esika
On July 19th, St. Peters Kapchelaga Secondary School became the stage for a powerful act of environmental action as young students laced up their running shoes for the Moses Kiptanui Annual Conservation Run. The event, graced by H.E Prof. Grace Cheserek, Deputy Governor of Elgeyo Marakwet County, brought together a powerful mix of revered sports personalities, students, and community members, united in their commitment to protecting vital water sources through grassroots conservation.
The Conservation Run, a flagship initiative under the Eldoret-Iten Water Fund (EIWF), serves as a platform to champion the cause of watershed protection while nurturing a culture of environmental stewardship among the youth. Spearheaded by legendary athlete Moses Kiptanui, the event blends sportsmanship with conservation action, ensuring that the next generation becomes active custodians of their environment while nurturing their athletic talents.
Joining in this noble cause were renowned Kenyan athletes who came to support Moses Kiptanui and inspire young participants with their presence and words of encouragement. The elite sports personalities included:
- Japheth Kimutai – Gold medallist in the 800 m at the 1998 Commonwealth Games and African Championships.
- Joseph Tengelei – 6th in the 800m at the 1995 World Indoor Championships.
- Robert Kibet – Two-time silver medalist in the 800 m at the African Championships in 1989 & 1991.
- Alfred Kirwa Yego – World Champion in the 800 m in 2007 and Olympic bronze medallist in Beijing 2008.
- Tecla Chemabwai – the first Kenyan woman to win gold in the 400m at the All Africa Games in 1973.
- Janeth Jepkosgei – World Champion in the 800 m in 2007.
- Augustine Choge – Commonwealth Games 5,000 m champion in 2006, former world junior record-holder in the 3,000 m.
- Luke Kipkosgei – 5,000 m Champion at the 1998 Goodwill Games, World Indoor bronze medallist in the 3,000 m.
The event’s activities began with a tree planting exercise at Kapchelaga School, where students, teachers, dignitaries, athletes, and staff from The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and EIWF planted trees as a symbol of their collective commitment to environmental conservation. This activity aimed at instilling a sense of responsibility among the young stewards, highlighting the critical role of trees in safeguarding water sources.
The much-anticipated Conservation Run followed, starting with the girls’ 4 km race and concluding with the boys’ 6 km run. The top ten finishers in each category received awards presented by the Deputy Governor, while the top three schools proudly carried their trophies home, celebrating not just athletic achievement but their role as environmental stewards.
Community members turned out in large numbers to support the event, underscoring the collective spirit of conservation in Elgeyo Marakwet. Each family that attended received indigenous tree seedlings to plant in their homesteads, a tangible step towards expanding the region’s green cover. Participating schools also pledged to establish environmental clubs, ensuring that conservation efforts continue to thrive beyond the event.
The Moses Kiptanui Annual Conservation Run stands as a testament to the power of community-led initiatives in fostering sustainable environmental practices. By integrating sports and conservation, the event nurtures a generation of young stewards equipped to champion nature-based solutions for the benefit of their communities and the ecosystems they depend on.
