By Mercy Buyanzi-Trans Nzoia County
The National Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the Mt. Elgon ecosystem through stronger collaboration with local communities.
Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa urged residents to embrace Community Forest Associations (CFAs) as key partners in conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
Dr. Barasa made the remarks during a visit to Trans Nzoia County, where she was joined by Principal Secretary for Mining Harry Kimtai at the County Commissioner’s headquarters before proceeding to Saboti Forest Station in Saboti Constituency for an engagement with Community Forest Association members.
Addressing the gathering, the Cabinet Secretary described peace, unity and partnership as the foundation for safeguarding Kenya’s natural resources.
“Peace and unity are the pillars that sustain our nation and guide our shared responsibility in protecting our natural resources. Through collective action and partnership, we can secure a greener, more inclusive, and prosperous future for all,” said Dr. Barasa.
She said Mt. Elgon Forest remains one of Kenya’s most important water catchment areas and directed the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to strengthen collaboration with Community Forest Associations through the Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS) to enhance tree-growing efforts while improving community livelihoods.
Dr. Barasa said her ministry, working jointly with the Ministry of Lands, would address issues raised by communities to ensure sustainable and inclusive forest management.
“Community Forest Associations remain central to this agenda. They are instrumental in establishing tree nurseries, producing high-quality seedlings, restoring degraded forests and promoting tree growing on farms,” she said.
The CS noted that the Government-supported Global Environment Facility Seventh Cycle (GEF-7) programme, implemented through the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is supporting Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration (FOLUR), sustainable forest management and sustainable cities.
She said the programme is helping restore degraded landscapes, conserve biodiversity and reduce carbon emissions.
She also encouraged more residents to register with Community Forest Associations to benefit from government-supported conservation programmes, adding that the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Act, 2026 recognizes the critical role of CFAs in PELIS, silvicultural operations and forest protection through community forest scouts.
Principal Secretary for Mining Harry Kimtai, who also serves as the patron of the 15 Billion Tree Growing Strategy for the Mt. Elgon Forest ecosystem, called for greater investment in the area’s ecotourism potential and strengthened agricultural value chains to improve livelihoods for communities living around the forest.
Kenya Forest Service Board Chairman Titus Korir urged residents to join Community Forest Associations and work closely with KFS to better understand and exercise their forest user rights while contributing to conservation efforts.
Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Alason Hussein welcomed the government’s continued investment in forest conservation and urged residents to support the initiative.
“The success of forest conservation depends on the active participation of communities. We will continue working with all stakeholders to ensure government programmes benefit residents while protecting Mt. Elgon Forest for future generations,” said Hussein.
