The El-Koony Center is a multi-purpose center focused on scientific research, professional and vocational training for community stakeholders, and policy development. We are located in Western Kenya in proximity to three protected areas: Mount Elgon National Park, Mount Elgon Forest Reserve and Chepkitale National Reserve. The center’s goal is to help preserve the biodiversity of the region by conducting scientific research and host training courses for livelihood enhancement of the local and indigenous communities.
Mount Elgon is the oldest and largest extinct volcano in East Africa, rising 4321m above sea level. Formed over 20 million years ago, Mt. Elgon straddles the Kenyan and Ugandan border, and its rugged terrain provides an ideal environment for a diverse range of flora and fauna. Designated as one of Kenya’s five major water towers, Mount Elgon’s water tower supplies water to a vast rural population of mostly subsistence farmers, and it impacts the economic and social well-being of millions living in the region.
The ecosystem is home to over 3000 endemic plant species, and several endangered animals, including buffalo, leopards, bushbuck, and forest-dwelling savannah elephants, the only elephant population in the world to mine for salt. Additionally, the region is ethnically diverse, comprising the Kikuyus, Luhyas, Kisii and Teso, as well the Sabaot and Ogiek indigenous communities.
As climate change intensifies, the Mount Elgon ecosystem is already witnessing decreasing precipitation, rising temperatures, deforestation and increased human-wildlife conflict. Climate change adaptation and mitigation is one of the areas that El-Koony Center is keen to pursue. We aim to address this challenge through collaboration with stakeholders to develop community-driven sustainable solutions for ecosystem resilience.
