KPC Foundation partners with Mount Kenya Wildlife conservancy to save Mountain Bongo

Hikers pose for a photo during the flag-off of the 4th annual Trek for the Bongo hike at Mt. Kenya National Park, Naro Moru Gate on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, aiming to raise awareness and funds to conserve the Mountain Bongo, a critically endangered species./HANDOUT 

Themed “Save the Mountain Bongo,” the event blends the challenge of high-altitude adventure with meaningful conservation impact and will see a total of 14 hikers dare to summit Mt. Kenya to rally support for the species’ rewilding program.

Native to the Mt. Kenya forests, the Mountain Bongo is not only on the brink of extinction but also central to the preservation of its ecosystem, and this initiative seeks to protect the species while restoring its natural habitat.

Speaking during the flag off event at Naro Moru Gate, Dr Robert Aruho, Head of the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, said, ‘‘The reduction in Bongo numbers has been due to poaching and diseases, and since 2004, we have been trying to restore their population. With this hike, we are trying to create strong visibility for the Mountain Bongo and enhance its conservation.’’

On her part, KPC Foundation Manager, Rachael Gathoni, called upon more well-wishers from both the private and public sectors to join hands in support of this course while praising the hikers for showing courage and stepping forward to support the initiative by journeying through the tough terrain.

‘‘This is an urgent need for us to have an intervention where we can protect the Mountain Bongo, and in partnership with Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, KPC Foundation will be investing in re-breeding and rewilding programs, habitat restorations and community engagements,’’ said Gathoni.

From left to right: Kenneth Mwando, CFAO Nanyuki Branch Manager, Dr Robert Aruho, Head of the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, Rachael Gathoni, KPC Foundation Manager and Irene Mandu, KPC Foundation Staff, during the flag-off of the 4th annual Trek for the Bongo hike at Mt. Kenya National Park, Naro Moru Gate on Tuesday, September 16, 2025/HANDOUT

The KPC Foundation Manager also noted that the foundation invested Sh5 million into the first activity and will continue supporting the conservancy over the course of the year as they target to raise Sh100 million, funds that will be used to incorporate other services, such as veterinary services and the integration of technology in conservation efforts.

The trek also ties into MKWC’s broader mission: inspiring future generations to value nature through conservation education, habitat restoration, and the care of orphaned animals.

In 2022, in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Kenya Forest Service, Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy established the world’s first Mountain Bongo sanctuary, a 776-acre Mawingu Mountain Bongo Sanctuary, which is located on the slopes of Mt. Kenya, and targets Kenya’s vision of rebreeding and rewilding a total of 750 Bongos by 2050.