2016 Highlights from the Mount Kenya Trust

The non-existent short rains and very dry, windy conditions meant fires as early as Christmas Eve and the first few days of January. We have been on high alert for fires since the start of 2017. Cattle have been moving up on to the mountain in large numbers and putting greater pressure on the environment with herders posing an even greater fire risk. A little rain towards the end of last week was welcome but likely to be short-lived.

However, we are braced and ready for action as always! Thank you for your continual support.

The Mount Kenya Trust Team

*10to4 MOUNTAIN BIKE CHALLENGE *
The Fly54010to4 Mountain Bike race raised a record 6.6 million KSh! We are very greatful for the continual support of all competitors and sponsors with top team sponsorship going to Twende Sukuma!

*UN MOUNTAIN AMBASSADOR*

We were visited by a Tibetian monk for a two-week trip. His Holiness the Drikung Kyabgön Thinle Lhundup, the UN Mountain Partnership’s Global Ambassador recognized these worldwide issues facing all mountain communities. His message below:

‘Changing climates, urbanising populations, and young people’s disrespect for traditional cultures and practices are among reasons why mountains and their vital ecosystems are struggling. Our future lies in the mountains. How we treat the mountains now will determine what our future will look like. Mountains are part of our home and they are the water towers of the world. Therefore, they are important for humanity and we are all tied to their future.’

*Two new VEHICLES*

With help from the Tusk Trust and CHASE Africa, we purchased a new community health and support vehicle at the start of the year. In addition, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust donated a Land Rover which gives the Northern Sector Teams much greater support and a far wider patrol base.

*TREE PLANTING*

Our new tree nursery grew over 40,000 trees and we planted over 60,000 back onto the mountain, with the help of our women tree nursery groups!

*ENERGY SAVING*

Four industrial sized energy saving jikos around team raising KSh100,000! These funds are absolutely crucial for the ongoing functioning of the Trust and its projects.

Mount Kenya forest and has continually relied on the forest for the supply of firewood to cook for the pupils. Lunch is cooked for 120-day pupils and supper for the 60 pupils who board. The school administration built a small extension onto the kitchen to accommodate the newMarania Day secondary school borders the Ntirimiti situation for the school and environment! One case study involved win win use. With little smoke emitted and a cleaner working environment, this is a firwood were installed saving over 70 per cent of the school energy bills by over halving Kenya.

Batian Level Donors
The US Fish and Wildlife Service

Nelion Level Donors & Fundraising Events
Timaflor
SAX 10to4 Sponsors: Fly540

Lenana Level Donors
Safaricom Marathon via Tusk Trust
The Thin Green Line
CHASE Africa

Coryndon Level Donors
Eden Wildlife Trust, The Woodcock Family, Tusk Trust, Zurich Zoo
Fly 540 10to4 Sponsors: BATUK, Tropic Air

Point Piggot Level Donors & Event sponsors
The International Elephant Foundation, Jim Butterfield, Bunson Travel

Point Dutton Level Donors & Event Sponsors
Safarilink, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kisima Farm, Marania Farm, Ol Donyo Farm, Steve Strong

Fly540 10to4Sponsors: Highlands Water, Braeburn Schools, Remote Medical, The Born Free Foundation (Kenya), Flamingo, Timaflor, Commercial Bank of Africa, Mascor, Xado EA, Browns Cheese, Dormans, CMS, Express Automation, Gras Savoye, Kenya Treks, Kongoni Camp, Rift Valley Adventures, Trout Tree, Mt Kenya Bicycles, Bikes & Outdoor Adventures, Tropical Heat, Kitengela, Matbronze, Shimano, Equinox Flowers, Huduma Services Limited, Laikipia Wildlife Forum, Laikipia Wilderness, Ligent, One Stop, Saab, African Ascents, Azimuth, Gundua, Kisima Flowers, Kisima Flour, Marania Farm, Ol Donyo Farm, Mawingu Networks, Raka Cheese, Savage Wilderness, Sirai House, Tambuzi, Uhuru Flowers.

Thanks to our regular contributors for their assistance so far this year: The Mountain Club of Kenya.

Our partners: We wouldn’t be able to keep up the good work without our most important supporting & operational partners. These include The Kenya Wildlife Service, The Kenya Forest Service, Rhino Ark, Kisima Farm, Marania Farm, Tropic Air, Borana Conservancy, African Ascents and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and One Stop.

To all our friends and supporters who took part and / or contributed to the 3 peaks climb for the horse patrol team, many many thanks.

Thank you to Nancy Balfour, Charlie Morison and Morten Jensen for your time and assistance