Geology Meets Vision: Baringo’s Journey Toward UNESCO Global Geopark Status.

by Communications Team

Posted February 22nd, 2026

In News, Stories

When the world’s geologists gather in one place, it is never by coincidence. It is a recognition of the value of landscapes that tell the story of the earth, of communities ready to steward that heritage, and of a vision whose time has come. The Baringo Aspiring Geopark initiative is now in top gear under the leadership of the Baringo County Government through the support of UNESCO.

This week, the BCCA team, led by Chairperson Augustus Chepkurwo and CEO Susan Jepkemoi, joined distinguished geologists from across Africa and the Baringo County Government team, led by Deputy Governor Eng. Felix Maiyo, for the official opening of the PanAfGeo training at Rift Hills Hotel, Kabarnet, which was officiated by UNESCO Regional Director Louise Haxthausen on Monday, a powerful affirmation that Baringo is steadily positioning itself on the global geological map.

The one-week training, themed “The Pan-African Support to Geological Sciences and Technology,” places Baringo County as one of the counties that boasts over 38 mapped geosites, each representing a chapter of the Earth’s history -from dramatic escarpments and volcanic formations to waterfalls, hot springs, and fossil-rich landscapes. Importantly, several of these geosites are hosted within Baringo County Conservancies, demonstrating how community-led conservation is central to protecting geological heritage while promoting biodiversity, culture, and sustainable livelihoods. This integration of conservation landscapes and geological assets gives Baringo a unique competitive edge in actualizing the Geopark concept.

The ongoing workshop builds on an earlier three-day technical field mission and community tour guides training by experts from the Geological Survey of Spain and Italy, and a visit by UNESCO Regional Director Louise Haxthausen to the breathtaking Simot Twin Waterfalls in Ossen, Baringo North, alongside County officials and BCCA leadership underscores the strong international scientific backing behind the initiative and global confidence in Baringo’s readiness and potential journey toward UNESCO Global Geopark recognition.

Baringo County hosting the PanAfGeo+ training 2026 signals more than prestige. It highlights UNESCO’s growing interest in supporting locally driven conservation, geo-education, scientific research, and sustainable tourism. For Baringo, this translates into an opportunity to diversify its economy, empower communities, strengthen conservation frameworks, and position itself as a hub for geological learning and eco-tourism in Africa.

What you can read next

Latest Posts

Baringo County Conservancies Association (BCCA) was registered in 2017 as a landscape level membership organization for community conservancies in Baringo County.