By Moses Ziro | Project Co-ordinator
Visit to Kaya Fungo Sacred Forest: Progress Report and Future Plans
On Monday, February 17, 2025, a delegation from the Africa Nature Organization (ANO) conducted a site visit to the Kaya Fungo Sacred Forest to assess the progress of ongoing project activities. The primary objective of the visit was to identify the challenges faced by the Elders in constructing the House of Tutu, one of the revered structures within the forest, whose construction had delayed for over 6 months, and to explore viable solutions to assist them. Additionally, the team aimed to gather updates regarding the protection and conservation efforts within the forest and present the People4Nature Conservation Award, which the Secretary of the Elders Group won last year.
During their visit, the team convened with the Secretary of the Elders Group, engaging in productive discussions regarding the plans for the House of Tutu's construction. The Secretary highlighted the significant setbacks encountered due to a herd of elephants that inhabited the forest between July and November 2024, rendering it impossible for the Elders to proceed with any activities. An inspection conducted by the Elders in January 2025 confirmed that the elephants had departed the forest and returned to Tsavo West National Park; however, they left in their wake considerable destruction to all sacred houses in the forest.
The House of Tutu holds immense significance as a prayer site dedicated to averting devastating winds, droughts, floods, and thunderstorms. Given the delayed rains this year, the community has urged the Elders to conduct special prayers for rain and blessings. Recognizing the importance of Kaya culture and the vital role of the Elders in its preservation is essential for the ongoing protection and conservation of the sacred forest.
The Secretary reported that preparations are well underway to commence construction of the House of Tutu within the month. This groundwork includes procuring sacrificial animals and food supplies for community members who will participate in the construction. To maintain cultural traditions, the house will be built using a singular tree species for poles, a singular tree species for tying materials, and a singular grass species for thatching, with the goal of completing construction in a single day. The Elders are scheduled to convene on February 23, 2025, to finalize preparations and set a date for the construction, which will be communicated to the local community and relevant stakeholders.
Furthermore, several notable developments occurred between July 2024 to date. The leader of the breakaway Elders Committee and his associates were removed from the forest in July 2024 following a series of meetings organized by local government authorities acting as mediators. This initiative was spearheaded by the local community, with support from the local authorities to ensure security.
Additionally, the team was informed that seven prayer sites had been lost due to encroachment. These sites include Mirihi ya Kirao, Zia ra Ache, Zia ra Alume, Ngoleni, Kitsaka cha Anae, Kwa Mi Unda, and Tiwi. It was proposed that between now and April 2025, ANO will conduct a mapping exercise of the affected sites. The resulting maps will be shared with the local authority and relevant government bodies for further action.
At the end of the meeting, the Secretary was presented with the People4Nature Conservation Award which he had won in 2024.
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