Forests in Elgeyo Marakwet
Embobut Forest: The Sengwe Shrine
Gazetted in 1962 as a reserve, the 220 km2 Embobut Forest is the most distinct feature in the northwest corner of Elgeyo Marakwet. It forms part of Cherangani Hills Forest Reserve. Although rarely travelled, the drive to Embobut Forest on the narrow road, with some romantic stretches, could round up a perfect trip. Along some sections, the rippling hillocks form scenic crests that are picture-postcard.
In the past two decades, Embobut Forest gained unwelcome notoriety as parts of it came under threat, owing to the dodgy settlers and illegal loggers who wantonly destroyed its ecosystem. The one-sided impartial blame was/is unfairly sheltered on the local Sengwe people. Since the 1960’s, the Sengwe Community, who are a native tribe residing in Embobut Forest, has been evicted many times, as a course to bring to a respite to its brisk destruction and deterioration; with little success.
The contrary proposition, while they’re not entirely unimpeachable, is that the Sengwe have had a long-lasting symbiotic relation with the forest. They have a deep cultural and spiritual connection to the forest, which plays a central role in their livelihoods, cultural practices, and identity. Despite having lived in the forest for centuries, their plea to be recognized as a ‘forest dwelling scheduled tribes’ has been a forlorn attempt. For now their future is uncertain. What is certain is their future forced eviction. Year in year out they are faced with potential eviction.
Embobut Forest is part of the larger Cherangani Hills ecosystem, which is known for its biodiversity, cultural significance, and ecological importance. The forest is home to a variety of plant species, including indigenous trees, ferns, and orchids. It also provides habitat for numerous animal species, including primates such as colobus monkeys and blue monkeys, as well as a colourful variety of bird species.
Embobut Forest also serves as a critical water catchment area. It is against this weight backdrop of ecological significance and cultural value that efforts are underway to conserve and protect it. Conservation initiatives include forest management, watershed protection, community-based conservation projects, and sustainable land use practices aimed at preserving the biodiversity and ecosystem services of the forest. Embobut Forest is located 60 km from Iten.
Kenya’s vast forest reserves are of immeasurable importance in biodiversity conservation, water regulation, and carbon storage. Collectively, these forests, natural and exotic, cover 2008 km2 or about 3.4% of Kenya’s land surface area, and 15% of the most fertile land. They also provide important recreational and ecotourism opportunities for visitors to enjoy Kenya’s natural beauty and wildlife.
Index of National Forests & Forests Reserves in Kenya
Baringo County - Tugen Hills Forest, Lembus Forest, Koibatek Forest, Bomet County - Chepalungu Forest, Trans Mara Forest, South Western Mau Forest Reserve, Bungoma County - Chepkitale Forest, Busia County - Budalang'i Forest, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Bugar Forest, Kessup Forest, Embobut Forest, Cherangani Hills Forest Reserve, Embu County - Njukiri Forest, Murinduko Hill Forest, Kirimiri Forest, Kiangombe Forest, Irangi Forest, Homa Bay County - Gwassi Hills Forest, The Kodera Forest, Kakamega County - Kakamega Forest Reserve, Kisere Forest, Malava Forest, Kericho County - Mau Forest Complex, Masaita Forest, Kiambu County - Kinale Forest, Kereita Forest, Kilifi County - Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve, Mwangea Hill Forest, Dakatcha Woodland, Kirinyaga County - Murinduko Forest, Njukiini Forest, Kisii County - The Nyangweta Forest, Kitui County - Mumoni Hill Forest Reserve, Muvaroa Hill Forest Reserve, Laikipia County - Marmanet Forest Reserve, Mukogodo Forest, Lamu County - Witu Forest, The Dodori Forest, Boni-Lungi Forest, Machakos County - Iveti Forest Reserve, Makueni County - Kibwezi Forest Station, Marsabit County - Marsabit National Reserve, The Turbi Forest, Meru County - Giitune Sacred Forest, Mucheene Forest, Mpogoro Forest, Ngaya Forest, Nyambane Hill Forest, Ngare Ndare Forest, Muranga County - Aberdare Forest Station, Nairobi County - Ngong Forest, The Karura Forest, Nandi County - South Nandi Forest, North Nandi Forest, North Tinderet Reserve, Nyandarua County - Nyandarua Forest, Dundori Forest, Samburu County - Kirisia Forest, Taita Taveta County - Ngangao Forest, Vuria Hill, Fururu Forest, Tharaka Nithi Forest - Chuka Forest Station, Vihiga County - Nganyi Forest, Kaimosi Forest, The Kibiri Forest, West Pokot County - Kamatira Forest
outlook
Touring Elgeyo Marakwet County in Kenya offers a mix of stunning landscapes, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. Renowned for its rugged terrain and picturesque landscapes, it is also home to globally-famous long distance running exports. Hiking enthusiasts can explore trails such as the famous Kerio Valley Escarpment or venture into the Cherangani Hills for more challenging hikes.
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Explore Destinations Near Embobut Forest
A Guide to Elgeyo Marakwet County
A Summa Digest of Elgeyo Marakwet
About Elgeyo Marakwet Way Back When
44 Destinations in E. Marakwet County, arranged as one would visit these - west, south then north - with aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Home of Champions Art Center, Keiyo Gardens, High Altitude Training Camp, Kamariny Stadium, St. Patrick's High School, Bugar Forest, Iten Viewpoint, Lelin Campsite, Kerio View Hotel, Active Edge, Rimoi National Reserve, Kapkurmoi Cultural & Conservation, Kessup Falls, Kessup Forest, Kilima Resort, Tambach Museum, Kolol Viewpoint, Torok Falls, Biretwo Museum, Kerio River Lodge, Chebloch Gorge, Samich Resort, Kenya Fluorspar Company, Sego Safari Resort, Melwa Gorge, Kerio Valley, Elgeyo (Kerio) Escarpment, Lake Kamnarok National Reserve, Kureswo Hot Springs, Metkei Ridge, Chemonde Forest, Chebirara Falls, Mela Cave, Cherangani Hills, Teren River Bridge, Arror Dam, Chebara Dam, Embobut Forest, Wewo Catholic Church, The Foothills (Kipkunurr & Koisungur), Kipteberr Hill, Kiplagoch Caves, Ancient Marakwet Furrows
Know More About E. Marakwet County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including strip maps, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
With a wide range in altitude, from 3350 ms asl., on the Cherangani Hills, to around 1000 metres asl., in the Kerio Valley. the temperature varies greatly with altitude, between 18oC – 26oC average maximum.
Elegyo Marakwet can be split into three agro-zones: A high altitude region of forest and moorland; The Cherangani mountains; And the lower set Kerio Escarpment and Valley.