Imagine strolling through an area full of fresh air, teeming with birdsong. Everywhere you turn, there is a bird perched on a tree branch singing the most incredible melodies and harmonizing with birds of other species. You stop, close your eyes, and let your senses be invigorated by the sounds of nature. What could be more relaxing? This is the ambience that awaits anyone who visits Kakamega Forest—a mid-altitude tropical rainforest located approximately 40 km north of Kisumu in the Lake Victoria catchment. But what exactly sets Kakamega forest apart from other forests? The answer lies in its ancient history.
This beautiful forest was once part of a sprawling Guineo-Congolian forest that covered the African tropics over 12,000 years ago – from West Africa all the way to the Congo Basin. As climatic changes unfolded, the forest dwindled, leaving behind Kakamega Forest as the last remnant of this ancient glory, making it Kenya’s only tropical rainforest. As a result, the wildlife that inhabits this site – particularly the birds – are incredibly unique. Several of these species were once widespread on the African continent but now only inhabit this habitat, a concept that is described as relict populations. There are least 16 bird species living within the forest that are absent from other forests in Kenya, and an additional 30 that cannot be found anywhere else. This makes Kakamega forest a crucial habitat for many of its bird species.
National and Global Recognition
The earliest recognition of Kakamega Forest’s significance was in 1933 when it was gazetted as a Trust Forest to curb logging. It then evolved into a critical conservation area in 1967 when the Yala and Isecheno Nature Reserves were established within the Forest Reserve, totaling about 700 hectares. In 1986, 4,000 hectares of forestland was designated as a National Park, solidifying its protected status.
With its unique avifauna and historical significance as the last remnant of an ancient forest, Kakamega has earned a place on UNESCO’s tentative list. This distinction signals its consideration for inclusion in the esteemed World Heritage List due to its outstanding cultural or natural value.
Conservation Challenges and Community Involvement
However, Kakamega faces complex challenges. The forest, fragmented and under various threats, experiences poaching for forest products. Responding to this, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has implemented a participatory forest management approach. Engaging local communities in conservation initiatives aims to reduce poaching and safeguard the forest’s ecological integrity.
Kakamega Forest is a beacon of biodiversity, preserving not only unique species but also the echoes of an ancient African rainforest. Beyond national borders, its inclusion on UNESCO’s tentative list underscores its global significance.
Have you walked under the canopies of Kakamega Forest? What birds did you spot in the area? Comment and let us know about your experience!