Communities residing within the Mt. Elgon ecosystem in Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, and Busia counties are being targeted to serve as conservation agents in the rehabilitation efforts to address its rising degradation.
The initiative aims to strengthen community engagement, raise environmental awareness, and promote ecotourism in the region.
The assistant Director of the Mt. Elgon Ecosystem Collins Omondi announced plans to introduce an annual Mt. Elgon Conservation Week beginning February next year.
“Many people live around the mountain but have never visited the park. We want them to understand its value,” Omondi said.
He added that the one-week event will feature tree-planting activities involving schools, colleges, and government institutions.
Residents will also be encouraged to visit the mountain and park, participating in an ecotourism experience designed to deepen their connection to this valuable natural resource.
The Chairman of Ecosystem Steward Kennedy Wanyonyi raised concerns over escalating degradation, emphasizing the ecosystem’s importance to the wider Lake Region and called for partner support in alignment with Article 17 of the UN conservation approach.
“Serious degradation is threatening the future of the Mt. Elgon ecosystem. We need concerted efforts to awaken residents who have little knowledge of its existence and importance. Our key focus will be sensitizing students,” he noted
Bungoma County Forest Conservator Eric Bungu said the Kenya Forest Service will identify degraded sites and recommend the right tree species to be planted during the conservation week.
“We must sensitize communities on the ecological importance of this ecosystem, which hosts 12 rivers. Several indigenous species are already threatened,” Bungu warned.
Trans Nzoia Environment County Executive Committee member Robert Wamalwa emphasized the importance of safeguarding water towers, noting that failure to act invites disaster.
“Mt. Elgon is dear to us. If we do not conserve our water towers and protect riparian land, we risk severe consequences. There is no wrath worse than the wrath of Mother Nature,” Mr. Wamalwa cautioned.
The County Executive Committee Member in charge of Gender, Sports, Culture, and Tourism Tormoi Eliud said the ecosystem is vital for promoting ecotourism.
“The trees and animals define our tourism potential. We must educate our people on the need to protect them,” stated Mr. Tormoi.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the conservation week will unite communities and help reverse years of neglect and degradation of one of Kenya’s most critical ecosystems.
