Bungoma: Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa has declared November 7 annually as the day to restore the Mt Elgon forest ecosystem. Speaking during the inauguration of Mt. Elgon Day celebrations held in Kaboywo-Kongit Forest Block, Bungoma County, the CS emphasized the event’s importance in Kenya’s national efforts to rejuvenate degraded ecosystems and enhance environmental conservation.
According to Kenya News Agency, the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) International Coordinating Council recognized the Mt Elgon Ecosystem as a Transboundary Biosphere Reserve in 2023, marking it as the second such reserve in Africa. Dr. Barasa announced that the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry is boosting ecosystem protection by increasing personnel in Bungoma and Trans Nzoia Counties.
Dr. Barasa is also spearheading a five-year Integrated Landscape Management for Conservation project in the Mt. Elgon ecosystem. The initiative includes restoring 10,000 hectares of forest and habitat, integrating landscape management across 50,000 hectares, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
During the event, the Cabinet Secretary unveiled several policy documents aimed at supporting forest conservation and management, including the National Forestry Policy 2023 and the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Strategy 2023-2032. Other strategies include the National Agroforestry Strategy 2025-2035, National Bamboo Development Strategy and Action Plan 2025-2035, and the Kenya Industrial Wood Sector Vision 2050.
The purpose of Mt Elgon Day is to raise conservation awareness and mobilize stakeholders, partners, conservationists, and local communities towards restoring this critical ecosystem. Dr. Barasa warned that the recognition of the Mt Elgon Ecosystem as a biosphere reserve could be revoked if degradation persists, urging immediate action to restore and protect the area.
Highlighting the importance of the celebration, Dr. Barasa called it a rallying call to restore and safeguard Mt Elgon for future generations. She also mentioned the Ministry’s ongoing partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) through the GEF-7 Integrated Landscape Management for Conservation Project.
In a related announcement, Dr. Barasa named Harry Kimtai, Principal Secretary of Mining and a native of the area, as Patron and Champion for the Restoration of the Mt Elgon Ecosystem. She expressed confidence in his ability to provide leadership and promote sustainable local solutions.
Bungoma County Deputy Governor Jennifer Mbatiny described Mt Elgon Forest Day as a pivotal moment in the collective efforts to restore and protect the Mt Elgon ecosystem. She urged leaders and residents to unite in restoring the degraded forest cover and emphasized the potential for green jobs and sustainable livelihoods through reforestation and eco-tourism.
The event saw the planting of over 35,000 tree seedlings, attended by local leaders, including area Member of Parliament Fred Kapondi, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, senior government officials, and development partners.
