In an ambitious effort to protect and restore one of Kenya’s critical ecosystems, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Aden Duale, announced the launch of the Sh620 million Integrated Landscape Management project targeting the Mt. Elgon forest in Bungoma County.
The event took place at Kaberwa Primary School grounds in Kapsokwony, where Duale highlighted the government’s commitment to environmental conservation and job creation through this new initiative. A core part of the project is the expansion of the Kaberwa Tree Nursery, set to double in size from one acre to two acres, increasing seedling production from 500,000 to an impressive one million annually. This move, Duale explained, supports Kenya's ambitious 15 billion National Tree Growing Programme, a key initiative aimed at combating climate change and boosting Kenya's tree cover.
“This expansion will support the restoration of the Mt. Elgon Forest, in line with the government’s vision to enhance forest cover while transforming livelihoods,” Duale stated, emphasizing the dual impact of environmental conservation and economic development.
Not only does this project promise to restore degraded areas within Mt. Elgon, but it also holds potential for significant job creation. From tree nursery operations to conservation and ecosystem management, the initiative is expected to open up new employment opportunities for locals, fostering economic growth in the region.
The launch event saw the attendance of Bungoma County Governor Kenneth Lusaka, Deputy Governor Jennifer Mbatiany, and other government officials who showed their support for the project, underscoring the collaborative effort required to achieve such a large-scale environmental goal.
This project signals a strong step forward in Kenya’s environmental conservation efforts, with Mt. Elgon’s unique ecosystem receiving the attention it deserves. Through this initiative, the government aims not only to restore nature but also to empower communities, creating a sustainable future for both people and the planet.
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