By Emanuel Kipkorir Tarus, DevReporter, Trans Nzoia County
Key Highlights
- Elgon, source of 12 rivers, four caves
- The ecosystem shared by Kenya and Uganda is under threat
- Conservation efforts implemented
- Some tree species have become extinct
For Peter Chemasuet and other residents of Trans Nzoia, Bungoma and Busia Counties, Mt. Elgon is not just a volcanic mountain. It is their identity and source of rain that hydrates their crops. It is also where they get honey and herbal medicines whenever they are sick.
Rising along the Kenya–Uganda border, the mountain is the source of 12 rivers that support millions of livelihoods and hosts 4 caves, all places of great interest for tourists as well as researchers.
On March 28, 2025, Kenya and Uganda jointly launched the Mt. Elgon Transboundary Biosphere Reserve to safeguard the mountain’s biodiversity and ecological integrity.
Mt. Elgon was first designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2003. A biosphere reserve is a learning place for sustainable development. It provides local solutions to global challenges.
Is the Mt. Elgon Ecosystem Under Threat?
In recent years, however, the forest has come under increasing threat due to human activities such as charcoal burning, illegal logging and an uncontrolled deforestation. This negates President William Ruto’s agenda to grow 15 billion trees by 2032.
When we met him outside the forest where his livestock stay, Chemasuet, a resident of Trans Nzoia County said that before degradation Mt. Elgon was an area of high food production that could feed the whole of Western.
“This mountain is our identity and source of livelihood. We get water, wild fruits, herbal medicines and honey, and it also provides fresh air. It hurts us that some people have encroached it and destroyed trees,” decried Chemasuet.
Susan Naliaka, a resident of Chebukaka village, is unhappy with the status quo and challenges authorities to take action against the people degrading the forest.
“It is sad that some careless people are destroying a natural forest just because they want to be rich. It is inside the forest where we get fresh air, clean water, firewood and food because we are allowed to grow short-maturing crops like beans and potatoes,” Naliaka said.
As degradation intensifies, conservation, which is part the social pillar of Kenya’s Vision 2030, is no longer the work of a few, but a shared responsibility.
Why Conserve the Ecosystem?
Victory Nekesa, an environmental conservationist and Project Manager at the Mt. Elgon Conservation Week, agrees that Mt. Elgon should be conserved for the sake of future generations.
“If we are not careful, we are likely to lose this ecosystem, and future generations will not forgive us,” Nekesa warned.
Should Communities Be Involved?
Collins Omondi, the Assistant Director of Mt. Elgon National Park, emphasised that local communities must be at the centre of conservation efforts.
“We want communities, schools, and institutions to visit the mountain, appreciate it, and give back by planting indigenous trees. As part of the Competency-Based Education (CBE), learners should also tour the mountain and learn,” Omondi said.
Kennedy Wanyonyi, Chairperson of Ecosystem Steward, a non-governmental organization, revealed that their visits to the forest have revealed clear evidence of serious degradation.
“Conserving this ecosystem speaks directly to Sustainable Development Goal 13 on climate action. We need concerted efforts and strong partnerships,” he said.
Source of Rivers, Caves, and Tourism
Trans Nzoia County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Gender and Tourism, Eliud Tormoi, highlighted the direct link between conservation and tourism.
“This ecosystem gives us rain. When we destroy it, we lose a lot, including tourism opportunities, and we put ourselves at risk,” Tormoi said.
Call to Action
For communities living on Mt. Elgon’s slopes, conservation is no longer optional. It is the difference between flowing rivers and dry riverbeds, between heritage preserved and heritage lost.
Related Stories
- https://www.kenyanews.go.ke/kenya-uganda-sign-mou-to-protect-mt-elgon-biosphere-reserve/
- https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/western/article/2001532963/kibabii-university-communities-partner-to-regenerate-and-conserve-mt-elgon-forest
- https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/africas-second-transboundary-unesco-designated-biosphere-reserve-kenya-and-uganda-lead-way-regional
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRdtbICOBgI
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBhSzi8YoNg
