Where Communities and Nature Thrive Together.
About Chemosit Sanctuary
Chemosit Sanctuary was founded out of a profound commitment to environmental conservation, with a mission to restore and protect the fragile wetlands of Kapkatet and the surrounding ecosystems. Rooted in the heart of Kericho County, the sanctuary serves as a beacon for eco-tourism, community empowerment, and sustainable living. Through hands-on conservation initiatives and educational programs, Chemosit Sanctuary strives to inspire stewardship of nature - fostering awareness, creating livelihood opportunities, and nurturing a shared responsibility for the environment among local residents, students, and visitors alike.
Our Mission
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​To integrate conservation, education, and eco-tourism in a model that enhances biodiversity, secures water sources, and supports livelihoods through sustainable practices.
Expected Long-Term Impact
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Revived ecosystems and enhanced water security in the highland catchments.
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Measurable increase in sustainable forest cover across Kericho County.
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Resilient local communities enjoying both environmental and economic benefits.
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Model eco-conservation & education centre recognised at regional/national level.
The Inspiration Behind Chemosit Sanctuary (Our Founder's Story)
Growing up in my village, I was surrounded by the gentle rhythm of nature - the flowing streams, the thick wetlands, and the abundance of wildlife that gave our land its soul. I remember women collecting firewood without ropes, using natural climbers called Taparariet; porcupines leaving their marks along the paths; mudfish wriggling in shallow pools; and the black water snakes that slipped quietly away as we played by the stream.
As children, we shared our world with countless creatures - Chemengeweet, the clever granary raider; Morisiet, the colorful rat; Toriong, the ant-eater; and Tina, the wild dog that stirred both fear and fascination. I still recall, vividly, the day in 1988 when a wild hawk struck me as I herded cattle - a painful but unforgettable reminder of how close we once lived to nature.
Today, that world is gone. The wetlands have been replaced by eucalyptus (Blue Gum) trees, draining the soil and drying the springs. Napier grass has taken over the swamps. The land is subdivided, and the songs of the wild have fallen silent. What was once a thriving ecosystem has given way to bare land and receding water.
That loss is deeply personal to me. It is what drives my passion to act - to heal the land and bring life back to where it once flourished. Chemosit Sanctuary is my response to that calling: a place of restoration, education, and hope. Through it, I seek to reconnect people - especially the young - with the natural world, to show that conservation is not just about saving nature, but saving ourselves and our future.
Get to know us
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Our journey is still young but grounded in decades of local knowledge. Meet our team and learn the stories of the people who wake early to tend seedlings, chart bird nests, and repair water catchments.