Baringo County Sets Sights on UNESCO Geopark Status: Experts Finalize Nomination Dossier
From 16–22 November 2025, a multidisciplinary team led by the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM), in collaboration with the Baringo County Government, convened in Baringo County to finalize the nomination dossier for the Baringo Great Rift Valley aspiring Geopark (BGRVaG). The intensive workshop brought together leading institutions including the National Museums of Kenya, Directorate of Geological Survey, State Department for Culture and Heritage, Kenya Tourism Board, Egerton and Maseno Universities, and the Baringo County Conservancies Association, with the shared goal of submitting the dossier to the UNESCO Global Geoparks Programme by 30 November 2025.
Supported by the UNDP-GEF Small Grants Programme, this initiative seeks to position Baringo as a UNESCO-designated geopark, unlocking opportunities for sustainable development, geotourism, geo-product innovation, research, and global networking. With Africa still underrepresented in the Global Geoparks Network—boasting only four recognized geoparks despite its immense geological heritage—Kenya’s bid aligns with UNESCO’s vision of integrating geological, cultural, and natural heritage for conservation, education, and sustainable development. If successful, Kenya will join other nations such as Morocco, Tanzania, and Tunisia in embracing this transformative designation, which currently spans 229 geoparks across 50 countries worldwide (as of August 2025). The event was graced by H.E. Benjamin Cheboi, Governor of Baringo County, alongside senior county officials, underscoring strong local commitment to this landmark initiative.
