Kenya and Uganda have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance conservation efforts for the Mount Elgon Transboundary Biosphere Reserve. The agreement, signed in Suam, Kenya, brings together senior government officials, conservation stakeholders, and local communities in a unified effort to safeguard the ecosystem.
Spanning 74,000 hectares of gazetted forest, Mount Elgon serves as a crucial water tower, feeding the Nzoia, Turkwel, and Malakisi rivers that provide vital water resources to millions across both nations. The newly established MoU lays a foundation for coordinated conservation initiatives, ensuring sustainable natural resource management, climate resilience, and active community involvement.
During the signing ceremony, Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi emphasized the urgent need to address threats to Mount Elgon’s ecological integrity. He pointed out critical challenges such as deforestation, human-wildlife conflict, climate change, and population pressure.
“While we celebrate this milestone, we must also acknowledge the challenges that continue to threaten Mount Elgon’s ecological integrity. Illegal logging, agricultural encroachment, and charcoal production are causing alarming forest degradation. Shrinking habitats are escalating human-wildlife conflict, while erratic weather patterns threaten biodiversity and water resources,” PS Mugambi stated.
To tackle these issues, the MoU will facilitate regional cooperation, promote harmonized conservation policies, and support joint restoration initiatives. Additionally, it aims to enhance institutional capacity-building to strengthen long-term conservation efforts.
In a significant move to raise awareness, PS Mugambi announced that November 7th will be recognized as Mount Elgon Day, a dedicated occasion to promote conservation actions and community participation.
Beyond environmental conservation, the MoU also highlights the economic potential of cross-border eco-tourism. “Mount Elgon’s breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage present significant opportunities. If managed sustainably, eco-tourism can serve as a powerful source of income and pride for communities on both sides of the border,” Mugambi added.
The signing ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including Principal Secretaries Silvia Museiya (Wildlife Kenya) and Doreen (Tourism and Wildlife Uganda), Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Ambassador Joash Maangi, UNESCO East Africa Executive Director Louise, and senior government officials from both nations.
This agreement marks a significant step in transboundary conservation efforts, setting a precedent for Kenya and Uganda’s continued collaboration in safeguarding their shared natural heritage.
