CS Deborah Barasa Leads Inaugural Mt. Elgon Day as 35,000 Seedlings Are Planted in Major Restoration Drive

Kenya marked a major milestone in environmental conservation on November 7 as the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Dr. Deborah M. Barasa, led the inaugural Mt. Elgon Day celebrations at the Kaboywo–Kongit Forest Block in Bungoma County.

The historic event underscored the Government’s commitment to restoring degraded ecosystems, with over 35,000 tree seedlings planted as part of the national campaign to grow 15 billion trees by 2032.

She cautioned that the recognition could be revoked if degradation continues, urging stakeholders to take urgent action to restore and protect the ecosystem.

“Mount Elgon has suffered years of deforestation, unsustainable land use, and encroachment leading to biodiversity loss, erratic rainfall, and declining water levels,” said Dr. Barasa.

“Today’s celebration is not only symbolic but a rallying call for all of us to restore this mountain and safeguard its resources for generations to come.”

The CS highlighted the ongoing partnership between the Ministry and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) through the GEF-7 Integrated Landscape Management for Conservation Project in the Mt. Elgon ecosystem