In the vast and beautiful landscape of Baringo North Sub-County, thousands of acres of once-productive farmland have for years borne the scars of relentless soil erosion. What began during the heavy El Niño rains nearly three decades ago has steadily grown into a silent crisis carving deep gullies across farms, swallowing fertile soils, and threatening the very foundation of food security in the region.

In some areas, the damage has been devastating. Critical infrastructure including roads, power lines, and communication networks has been compromised. Rivers and seasonal streams have been diverted from their natural courses, while water pans have dried up under the weight of accumulated silt. Schools and homes have stood precariously close to expanding gullies, a constant reminder of natures unchecked force.

But in the face of this challenge, hope is rising from the ground up.

In Barwessa Ward, more than 4,000 households have come together in a bold and inspiring effort to rehabilitate degraded land and restore environmental stability. At the heart of this transformation in Kapsakas area, is a three-acre parcel of land hosting Kapsakas ECDE, once heavily eroded and nearly rendered unusable.

With support from the County Government in partnership with the World Bank through the Financing Locally-Led Climate Change Action (FLLoCA) Program, the community has embarked on a structured restoration programme that is already beginning to reverse years of environmental damage. The project involves reseeding the degraded land with pasture to stabilize the soil and revive its productivity. The intervention is not merely about planting grass it is about reclaiming dignity, protecting livelihoods, and safeguarding the future of the children learning at the ECDE centre.

To ensure sustainability of the project's model epicentre, the entire perimeter of the land including the ECDE school compound has been fenced off. This critical step will prevent overgrazing by livestock, which previously accelerated land degradation. The fencing serves both environmental and safety purposes, protecting the restored pasture and securing the school environment for learners.

Additionally, a water pan has been constructed and is now providing a reliable source of water for livestock and domestic use, reducing pressure on fragile riverbanks and rehabilitated sections. The water pan was able to hold water ofor over the three month November-February dry spell, cushioning the area from acute water shortage.

In a further boost to safety and security, four street-lightstyle lighting masts have been installed around the project site. These solar-powered lights deter vandalism, and intrusion and damage by wildlife, mostly elephants.

According to the project Chair, Dr. Benjamin Kipkulei, the land once served as a grazing field for more than 10,000 livestock. However, without timely intervention in the past, continuous soil erosion swept away the fertile topsoil, leaving behind barren, unproductive ground. Today, that narrative is beginning to change.

The County Governments commitment to environmental conservation, working hand in hand with local leadership and partners, signals a new chapter for Baringo North. This initiative reflects a broader recognition that resilience must be built intentionally, and that restoring ecosystems is central to securing food systems, infrastructure, and livelihoods.

Yet, the long-term success of the project rests squarely in the hands of the community.

Residents are being encouraged to embrace responsible grazing practices, participate in conservation activities, and protect the rehabilitated land from renewed degradation. Environmental restoration is not a one-time intervention it is a shared responsibility that requires vigilance, unity, and sustained effort.