Forests in West Pokot County
Kamatira Forest: A Man-Made Pretty Forest
There are four major forests in West Pokot County, Lelan, Kamatira, Mtello Montane and Kapkanyar, that collectively cover about 8% of the land surface area. In an effort to scale up the number to the country recommended 10%, and reduce wanton destruction, the county in the process of gazetting these forest blocks as protected. Among these forest is the scenically-splendid Kamatira Forest that has been a roadside attractions now for many years. A planted forest, where trees were intentionally planted and managed for commercial and environmental purposes, it is today among the best examples of man-made forests in Kenya.
10 km beyond Kapenguria-Makutano along the A1 Kitale-Lodwar Road one may also be interested in making a quick detour for a look-see at the surprisingly unfamiliar Kamatira Forest that’s the only planted forest found in West Pokot County. Resembling an arrow head from the air, the 60 km2 Kamatira Forest was planted by the prisoners who were detained at Kapenguria over the 1950’s, during Kenya’s struggle for self-governance. One of the appropriate reasons for holding prisoners at Kapenguria town was to de-link them from Nairobi, and from all associations with their close family and supporters, because West Pokot District during the 1940’s to 1960’s was a “no-go-frontier” that required special passes.
From Kapenguria-Makutano town en-route Kainuk through Ortum, the A1 travels north west through an unfamiliar horizon varying from splendid mountain ranges to plains, with the magnificent Cherangani Hills rising sharply in the background before arriving at Kainuk, 94 km away. From Kainuk, the road takes due north, through a much more arid and hot country to Nasolot N. Reserve, 15 km away.
Kenya’s vast forest reserves are of immeasurable importance in biodiversity conservation, water regulation, and carbon storage. Collectively, these forests, natural and exotic, cover 2008 km2 or about 3.4% of Kenya’s land surface area, and 15% of the most fertile land. They also provide important recreational and ecotourism opportunities for visitors to enjoy Kenya’s natural beauty and wildlife.
Index of National Forests & Forests Reserves in Kenya
Baringo County - Tugen Hills Forest, Lembus Forest, Koibatek Forest, Bomet County - Chepalungu Forest, Trans Mara Forest, South Western Mau Forest Reserve, Bungoma County - Chepkitale Forest, Busia County - Budalang'i Forest, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Bugar Forest, Kessup Forest, Embobut Forest, Cherangani Hills Forest Reserve, Embu County - Njukiri Forest, Murinduko Hill Forest, Kirimiri Forest, Kiangombe Forest, Irangi Forest, Homa Bay County - Gwassi Hills Forest, The Kodera Forest, Kakamega County - Kakamega Forest Reserve, Kisere Forest, Malava Forest, Kericho County - Mau Forest Complex, Masaita Forest, Kiambu County - Kinale Forest, Kereita Forest, Kilifi County - Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve, Mwangea Hill Forest, Dakatcha Woodland, Kirinyaga County - Murinduko Forest, Njukiini Forest, Kisii County - The Nyangweta Forest, Kitui County - Mumoni Hill Forest Reserve, Muvaroa Hill Forest Reserve, Laikipia County - Marmanet Forest Reserve, Mukogodo Forest, Lamu County - Witu Forest, The Dodori Forest, Boni-Lungi Forest, Machakos County - Iveti Forest Reserve, Makueni County - Kibwezi Forest Station, Marsabit County - Marsabit National Reserve, The Turbi Forest, Meru County - Giitune Sacred Forest, Mucheene Forest, Mpogoro Forest, Ngaya Forest, Nyambane Hill Forest, Ngare Ndare Forest, Muranga County - Aberdare Forest Station, Nairobi County - Ngong Forest, The Karura Forest, Nandi County - South Nandi Forest, North Nandi Forest, North Tinderet Reserve, Nyandarua County - Nyandarua Forest, Dundori Forest, Samburu County - Kirisia Forest, Taita Taveta County - Ngangao Forest, Vuria Hill, Fururu Forest, Tharaka Nithi Forest - Chuka Forest Station, Vihiga County - Nganyi Forest, Kaimosi Forest, The Kibiri Forest, West Pokot County - Kamatira Forest
Touring West Pokot County in Kenya offers a chance to explore a region known for its iconic, rugged landscapes, vibrant cultures, and rich traditions. Located in the extreme northwest part of the country, bordering Uganda, West Pokot County is primary inhabited by the Pokot community, known for their pastoralist lifestyle.
You Are Here: Kamatira Forest
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Explore Destinations Nearby Kamatira Forest
A Guide to West Pokot County
A Summa Digest of West Pokot
About West Pokot Way Back When
32 Destinations in West Pokot County, arranged as one would visit these - south to northeast - with the aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Kaisagat Viewpoint, Barnley's Guest House, Kapkoris Hill Viewpoint, Dini ya Roho Church, Mount Murpus, Chewoyet High School, Kapenguria Museum, Kapenguria Town, Chelanga Gardens, Tartar Falls, Kacheliba, Holy Cross Church Kacheliba, Alale Gold Mines, Suam River Beach, Kamatira Forest, Lounon Village, Cherangani Hills, Marich Pass, Marich Pass Center, Kang'alan Escarpment, Kolloa Cross Monument, Weiwei Irrigation Scheme, Tamkal Valley, Mount Koh, Sekerr Range, Mount Mtelo View Lodge, Nasolot National Reserve, Turkwel Dam, Turkwel Gorge, State Lodge, Riting
Know More About West Pokot County: Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
What’s The Air Like In W. Pokot?
West Pokot has significant variations in temperature with the lower lands experiencing temperatures of up to 33oC, and highlands experiencing modest temperatures of 15oC.
What’s The Lay Of The Land In C.24?
West Pokot County is marked by a variety of topographic features – dry plains in the north, a hatful of ranges and hills in the mid, and in the south east Cherangani Hills.