Kenya Launches Ambitious 10-Year Plan to Restore Mount Elgon Ecosystem
Posted by JIM MWANDA
Kenya launches a 10-year Mount Elgon restoration plan to rehabilitate 103,000 hectares of degraded land, boost green jobs, and secure vital water resources through community-driven and cross-border collaboration.
Nairobi Kenya
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In Summary:
The Kenyan government has launched a comprehensive 10-year program to rehabilitate the Mount Elgon ecosystem, marking a major milestone in national efforts to restore degraded landscapes and secure critical water sources.
Speaking during a stakeholder breakfast meeting, Dr. Deborah M. Barasa, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, announced the establishment of Mt. Elgon Day, to be celebrated annually on November 7. The observance will serve as a rallying point for communities, partners, and conservation organizations to drive the mountain’s restoration agenda.
“Mount Elgon has experienced years of deforestation and unsustainable land use, leading to declining water levels and loss of vital ecosystem services,” Dr. Barasa said. She emphasized that coordinated action is crucial to reverse the degradation threatening the livelihoods of millions who depend on the mountain’s ecosystem.
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The announcement follows the UNESCO designation of Mount Elgon as a Transboundary Biosphere Reserve two years ago—a status that has enhanced global attention and potential funding for the region. However, Dr. Barasa warned that this recognition is conditional and could be withdrawn if degradation persists.
To ensure strong local leadership, the Ministry appointed Mr. Harry Kimtai, Principal Secretary for Mining and a native of the area, as Patron and Champion of the initiative. His role will involve mobilizing local communities, guiding intergovernmental collaboration, and ensuring accountability in project implementation.
“In the past, conservation efforts in Mount Elgon were fragmented,” Dr. Barasa noted. “With Mr. Kimtai’s leadership, we aim for unified, locally grounded solutions that deliver long-term impact.”
The State Department for Forestry will provide technical expertise, high-quality seedlings, and training to community groups to foster sustainable forest enterprises and enhance livelihoods.
The restoration strategy extends beyond tree planting—it integrates clean energy access, water resource management, green job creation, and environmental education in local schools. The initiative aligns with Kenya’s 15 Billion Trees Campaign and the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), underscoring the link between environmental conservation and economic empowerment.
The government now calls on regional governments, development partners, and local communities to embrace collective ownership of the program to ensure the long-term survival of the Mount Elgon water tower—a lifeline for both Kenya and Uganda.
