The government has launched an initiative that will help restore at least 103,000 hectares of degraded land in Mt Elgon Ecosystem.
Speaking during the launch of Mt Elgon Restoration and Livelihood Improvement Programme, Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Dr Deborah Barasa said the initiative targets to restore the Mount Elgon Ecosystem which has suffered the effects of deforestation and unsustainable land use practices, leading to declining water levels and reduced ecosystem services.
“This 10-year programme aligns with the Presidential Directive to grow 15 billion trees by 2032, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), and the National Climate Change,” she said.
According to Barasa, the continuous degradation of the forest threatens the standing of ecosystem which was designated as a Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (TBR), in 2003 by the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) International Coordinating Council.
“This remarkable achievement opens numerous opportunities, in funding, conservation projects, sustainable livelihoods, research, and scholarship, among others. However, this designation is not permanent. Continued degradation of Mount Elgon could lead to the degazettement of its Transboundary Biosphere Reserve status,” added Barasa.
Data by the ministry indicates that Mt Elgon landscape covers 172,095ha and includes gazetted forest areas, National Park and adjacent farmlands.
The Mt Elgon Ecosystem also has an annual total economic value estimated at Ksh 115 billion.
“Mt. Elgon has approximately 35,000 hectares of degraded Forest areas and 68,000 hectares degraded forest adjacent farmlands traversing Bungoma and Trans Nzoia Counties,” said Gitonga Mugambi, PS Forest.
Additionally, the ministry has designated November 7, 2025 as Mt. Elgon Day, to rally various stakeholders, partners, conservationists, and local communities towards the conservation and protection of this vital ecosystem.
Mining Principal Secretary has been appointed as the Patron and Champion for the Restoration of the Mt. Elgon Ecosystem.
