The national government has urged communities living around Mt. Elgon Forest to strengthen their cooperation with Community Forest Associations (CFAs) to protect the ecosystem while improving their livelihoods.
Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa said the government would work with CFAs to expand tree growing, restore degraded forest areas and create economic opportunities for communities living around the Mt. Elgon ecosystem.
Barasa directed the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to strengthen its partnership with CFAs through the Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS).
“Community Forest Associations remain central to this agenda. They are instrumental in establishing tree nurseries, producing high-quality seedlings, restoring degraded forests and promoting tree growing on farms,” Barasa said.
She said PELIS would support tree growing while helping communities living around the forest improve their livelihoods.
The Cabinet Secretary added that her ministry would work with the Ministry of Lands to address concerns raised by local communities and promote sustainable and inclusive management of the forest.
Barasa also encouraged more residents to join CFAs and take advantage of government-supported conservation programmes.
She said the associations play a critical role in restoring degraded forests, protecting biodiversity and promoting tree growing within communities.
Principal Secretary for Mining Harry Kimtai called for increased investment in ecotourism and agricultural value chains around the Mt. Elgon ecosystem to create more economic opportunities for communities.
Kimtai, who is also the patron of the 15 Billion Tree Growing Strategy for the Mt. Elgon Forest ecosystem, said conservation should go hand in hand with improving livelihoods.
Kenya Forest Service Board Chairman Titus Korir urged residents to join CFAs and work closely with KFS to understand their forest user rights and support conservation initiatives.
“Community Forest Associations are important partners in forest conservation. Residents should join the associations, understand their rights and work closely with KFS to ensure the forest is protected for future generations,” Korir said.
Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Alason Hussein welcomed the government’s continued investment in forest conservation and urged residents to support the initiative.
“The success of forest conservation depends on the active participation of communities. We will continue working with all stakeholders to ensure government programmes benefit residents while protecting Mt. Elgon Forest for future generations,” Hussein said.
