Kenya Launches 10-Year Mt. Elgon Restoration Plan as Nation Marks First Mt. Elgon Day.

Kenya Launches 10-Year Mt. Elgon Restoration Plan as Nation Marks First Mt. Elgon Day.

Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa briefs the media at KICC, Nairobi, during an update on the government’s ongoing restoration efforts in the Mt. Elgon ecosystem.

By Jeff Oyugi.

Nairobi - November 4, 2025

The government has announced a major national initiative to restore the Mount Elgon ecosystem, one of Kenya's five key water towers, as part of efforts to combat deforestation, protect biodiversity and strengthen climate resilience.

Speaking during a breakfast meeting on the restoration of Mt. Elgon, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Dr. Deborah Barasa described the mountain as a critical ecological asset whose protection is vital to Kenya's environmental and economic sustainability.

"It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to this gathering where we focus our attention on restoring one of our key water towers Mount Elgon," said CS Barasa. "This ecosystem has suffered from years of degradation, but we now have an opportunity to rally together and secure it for generations to come.”

The CS highlighted that in 2023, the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) International Coordinating Council designated the Mount Elgon Ecosystem as a Transboundary Biosphere Reserve, shared between Kenya and Uganda, the second of its kind in Africa.

"This global recognition opens numerous opportunities for funding, conservation projects, research and sustainable livelihoods," she said. "However, this designation is not permanent. Continued degradation could lead to the loss of this prestigious status.”

CS Barasa noted that Mount Elgon's forests have been severely affected by deforestation and unsustainable land-use practices, leading to declining water levels and reduced ecosystem services. She warned that the cost of environmental destruction is too high to bear, adding that urgent coordinated action is required.

To mobilize national attention, the Ministry has designated November 7, 2025, as Mt. Elgon Day, an annual event aimed at rallying stakeholders, partners, conservationists and local communities toward the protection of the mountain.

The Ministry has also appointed Principal Secretary for Mining, Mr. Harry Kimtai, as the Patron and Champion for the Restoration of the Mt. Elgon Ecosystem, citing his deep understanding of the local context and commitment to environmental sustainability.

"This initiative seeks to foster collaboration and improve access to clean energy and water, promote green jobs and upscale agricultural value chains," Barasa said. "It will also increase conservation awareness in schools, promote research and innovation, support youth talent development and preserve our cultural heritage.”

The 10-year Mt. Elgon Restoration Programme targets the rehabilitation of 103,000 hectares of degraded forest and farmland in Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties. It aligns with the Presidential Directive to grow 15 billion trees by 2032, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP).

Dr. Barasa called for partnerships across government, the private sector and civil society, urging stakeholders to make Mt. Elgon a model of ecosystem restoration and community-driven conservation.

"As a Ministry, we remain committed to enhancing coordination, supporting sustainable livelihoods and ensuring the long-term protection of this vital ecosystem," she affirmed.

Principal Secretary for Forestry, Mr. Mugambi Gitonga, reaffirmed the government's commitment to sustainable restoration, emphasizing that Mount Elgon supports millions of people through its water, soil fertility, biodiversity and climate regulation.

"Mt. Elgon faces serious threats from deforestation, encroachment and unsustainable land use," Gitonga said. "Out of the total forest area, about 35,000 hectares are degraded and an additional 68,000 hectares of adjacent farmlands need rehabilitation.”

He explained that restoration efforts would focus on community-led landscape restoration, climate-smart enterprises and livelihood programs such as beekeeping, reforestation and forest protection through fencing and monitoring.

Gitonga noted that the appointment of PS Kimtai as Patron would improve coordination between national and county governments, facilitate community empowerment and ensure inclusive implementation of restoration programs.

"Being a son of the region, PS Kimtai understands the local challenges and will help drive sustainable, locally driven solutions," he said.

The State Department for Forestry will provide technical support on tree growing, production and distribution of quality seedlings and support to Community Forest Associations (CFAs), youth and women groups to establish sustainable forest-based enterprises.

Representing professionals from the Mt. Elgon region, Mr. Tony Tugei expressed strong community commitment to the initiative, saying local residents have borne the brunt of environmental degradation and are ready to take part in the restoration.

"If there's a community that truly understands the impact of environmental degradation, it is ours," Tugei said. "We are ready to mobilize all stakeholders and ensure that young people who are the future are fully engaged.”

He announced that local professionals and youth will use digital platforms and community campaigns to raise awareness and drive participation in the project.

"Let us ensure that the community wins and that our young people inherit a greener, safer Mt. Elgon," he added.

CS Barasa closed the meeting with a call for multi-stakeholder collaboration across sectors and borders, stressing the importance of community ownership, environmental education and sustainable practices.

"Restoring Mt. Elgon is our shared responsibility," she said. "Together, we can secure our climate, grow our economy and build a greener, more resilient Kenya.”