The County Government of Uasin Gishu has taken a major step towards safeguarding Kenya’s largest population of the endangered Grey Crowned Crane.
This is after signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Crane Foundation (ICF) to restore wetlands, promote climate-smart agriculture and improve livelihoods for communities living around fragile ecosystems.
Speaking during the signing ceremony on Monday, July 27, 2026, Governor Dr Jonathan Bii Chelilim challenged county departments to ensure partnerships with development organisations deliver tangible benefits to residents.
“As a county, we have signed many Memoranda of Understanding with different partners. Every department must ensure these agreements bear fruit and transform the lives of our people,” said the Governor.
Dr Bii noted that the Grey Crowned Crane holds deep cultural significance among the Kalenjin community, saying the partnership is about safeguarding both the county’s natural heritage and the livelihoods of communities that depend on wetlands.
How many grey cranes are in Uasin Gishu?
The International Crane Foundation says nearly 80 per cent of the world’s crane population has been lost over the past 35 years due to habitat destruction.
Uasin Gishu hosts an estimated 2,000 Grey Crowned Cranes, the largest population in Kenya.
Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea said the county is targeting to increase the crane population to 10,000 within the next five years through stronger conservation efforts and community participation.
Speaking on behalf of the Foundation, Adan W. Kabelo, Kenya Country Director, said ICF has already supported 71 riparian households with 142 Langstroth beehives, 30,000 Super Napier cuttings and 8,000 indigenous tree seedlings, with another 29 households set to benefit alongside coffee and avocado seedlings.
Which Uasin Gishu areas will International Crane Foundation support?
He added that the foundation will expand climate-smart agriculture in Marura, Ziwa, Mararen, Kiplombe, Kesses Dam, Lemook and Chemalal, while promoting conservation agriculture, environmental awareness, water access projects and wetland restoration.
Biodiversity assessments have already been undertaken in Ziwa, Chemalal and Mararen in partnership with the County Department of Environment and the University of Eldoret.
Agriculture, Agribusiness, Livestock and Fisheries CECM Dr Sam Kotut said the partnership will strengthen environmental conservation while supporting climate-smart agriculture, biodiversity conservation and resilient farming systems.
The MoU, overseen by County Attorney Silvester Metto, provides a framework for collaboration in wetland restoration, research, community training, environmental education and joint resource mobilisation without creating financial obligations for either party.
