Environment, Climate Change and Forestry CS Aden Duale has.launched a Ksh.620 million initiative to restore the Mt. Elgon Forest ecosystem, covering Bungoma and Trans-Nzoia counties.

The five-year project primarily focuses on climate action and enhancing local livelihoods, is financed by the Global Environment Facility’s 7th cycle (GEF7) through the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), with support from the two county governments.

CS Duale, speaking during the launch at Kaberua D.E.B Primary School in Kapsokwony, emphasized that the project will not only combat deforestation but also boost local economies through job creation and increased agricultural productivity.

"Mt. Elgon is not just a landscape; it is a vital water tower, a biodiversity hotspot, and an essential resource for our communities and nation," he stated.

Highlighting the significance of Mt. Elgon, CS Duale announced that November 7th will now be celebrated annually as a dedicated day for conserving this critical water tower.

"This day is a call to action for all stakeholders to come together, reflect on our progress, and reaffirm our commitment to restoring and conserving the Mt. Elgon Forest ecosystem. Let Mt. Elgon Day be a day of unity and action, a day to honor our shared responsibility to protect this invaluable ecosystem," he said.

In line with conservation efforts, the CS also imposed an immediate ban on cultivation within all natural forests across Kenya, noting that farming in these areas was undermining restoration efforts.

"I am issuing an immediate and total ban on cultivation in Cheptais and any other legally designated natural forest areas. These ecosystems must be safeguarded to maintain their ecological integrity and biodiversity," he declared.

He warned communities near Mt. Elgon and across Kenya to refrain from illegal forest activities, including encroachment, cultivation, and logging.

The government, he stated, will take strict measures against violators, including those in State positions.

"Anyone, including government officials, found engaging in activities that harm this ecosystem, be it through collusion, encroachment, or illegal cultivation, will face severe consequences, including dismissal,” said Duale.

“Our forests are not mere resources to exploit; they are the foundation of our national wellbeing and future. It is imperative that we all take responsibility and work together to protect them."

CS Duale also touched on the 15-billion tree-planting campaign, which he described as a flagship climate action and livelihoods initiative under the Kenya Kwanza administration.

He noted that the goal to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 would "fundamentally empower communities, restore ecosystems, create jobs, and bolster climate resilience" as part of the government's Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

With the onset of the short rains season, CS Duale urged Kenyans to embrace tree planting on a large scale.

"I express my appreciation to our partners, community members, and all those who are resolutely committed to this transformative project," he said.

The project will also involve the Kenya Forest Service and Community Forest Associations (CFAs) in establishing six large tree nurseries around Mt. Elgon, each with an annual capacity of two million seedlings.

In addition, CS Duale unveiled an expansion at Kaberua Tree Nursery, which will increase its capacity from 500,000 seedlings to one million annually.