Projects · Mount Kenya Ecosystem
Mount Kenya Fence Programme
Community-built electrified fence around Mount Kenya’s forests: over 316 km of a planned ~450 km barrier protecting a critical national water tower.
Mount Kenya reaches 5,199 metres. Its moorland and peak zone (71,500 ha) became a National Park in 1949; surrounding forests (~212,000 ha) are Forest Reserve and National Reserve. UNESCO inscribed the mountain as a World Heritage Site in 1997 for its glaciers, Afro-alpine moorlands and diverse forests.
The mountain feeds the Ewaso Nyiro and Tana rivers, supporting hydropower (including Seven Forks) and major irrigation schemes. Challenges include crop damage by elephants, forest degradation, and increasing wildfire risk.
Launched in September 2012, the Mount Kenya Electric Fence will encircle over 2,700 sq km at about 450 km in length. Over 316 km have been built by members of forest-adjacent communities under KWS technical supervision, creating jobs and local ownership while reducing conflict.
Goals
- Complete ~450 km fence networkIn progress
- Community construction & ownershipActive
- Protect catchment valuesActive
Partners
- Kenya Wildlife Service
- Kenya Forest Service
- Mount Kenya Trust
- Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
- Bongo Surveillance Project
- Space for Giants
- Wildlife Conservation Society
- Upper Tana Natural Resources Management Project
Evidence
Reports and knowledge products connected to this programme.
- Aberdare Fence Assessment 2011 (Main Report)
Reports · 2011
- Aberdare Fence Assessment 2011 (Exec. Summary)
Reports · 2011
- Mt. Kenya Fence Impact Study
Reports · 2019
- Aberdare Fence Placement Study I
Reports