Bungoma: Stakeholders have called for a stronger partnership between the National and County Governments to ensure the restoration of the Mt Elgon ecosystem. They were led by Bungoma Deputy Governor Jennifer Mbatian during a tree planting exercise at Banantega in Mt Elgon constituency, which was also attended by Economic Planning Principal Secretary Dr. Bonface Makokha.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mbatian emphasized the need for collaborative efforts, particularly in mobilizing funds and supplying quality seedlings to drive the reforestation of Mt Elgon forest. She noted that the Mt Elgon ecosystem is not only for the Sabaot community but also for other communities that depend on it and future generations. "Environmental conservation requires a serious united effort for now and the next generation," she noted.
The deputy governor confirmed that Bungoma County's forest cover currently stands at 22.04%, surpassing the national average of 8.83% and the constitutional minimum of 10%. With the county aiming to increase its forest cover to 30% by 2032, this goal aligns with Kenya's broader target of achieving 30% tree cover by the same year.
The deputy governor lauded the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) for conducting a critical one-week training session aimed at building the capacity of Bungoma County staff on public policy formation, which will enhance the effectiveness of the workforce. Mbatian further applauded KIPPRA's move to plant over 20,000 tree seedlings to restore Mt Elgon forest after their training sessions in Banantega and Cheptais, all within the Mt Elgon forest ecosystem.