Glaciers matters’: Mt Kenya hosts international Mountain Day 2025

By Aaron Muthomi/ The Mountain Journal

editor@themountainjournal.co.ke
Kenya will mark International Mountain Day 2025 on 11 December under the theme “Glaciers Matter for Water, Food, and Livelihoods in Mountains and Beyond.”
The two-day celebration will highlight the critical role glacier-fed rivers from Mt Kenya play in sustaining agriculture, biodiversity, and rural livelihoods.
Activities will include a 21-river bicycle race and tree planting, with bamboo and indigenous species planted at each river stop. Schools that rely on these rivers will showcase their conservation projects, with top performers honoured at Nanyuki Stadium on December 12th , following the Jamhuri Day celebrations.
Melting Peaks – A Race Against Time
Mt Kenya — the nation’s tallest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is rapidly losing its snow and glaciers. Scientists warn it could be completely ice-free by 2030, following Kenya’s hottest year on record in 2024.
Lewis Glacier, one of the mountain’s most prominent ice bodies, has shrunk by nearly 90% between 1934 and 2010, according to researchers. Once-sprawling ice sheets have now been reduced to scattered patches.
Teens Voice Africa, working with government agencies, NGOs, and schools, has announced plans to plant bamboo along the 21 rivers flowing from Mt Kenya to restore water flow and river health by 2030. The group is calling for united action to safeguard the mountain’s future.
The decline of glaciers is not only an environmental crisis but also an economic threat. Mt Kenya is one of Africa’s few glacier-capped mountains, attracting climbers and tourists from around the world. Experts fear it could become one of the first in modern history to lose all its ice.
“The Mountain Has Changed”
Retired Kenya Wildlife Service director Simon Gitau described the transformation:
“Those colours of the white snow and the ice would make the mountain look very, very beautiful. Right now, it’s just rocks with small patches of ice and snow — a big, big change in the weather.”

The Value of Mt Kenya
Mt Kenya’s significance spans ecological, cultural, aesthetic, geological, and historical dimensions:

1. Ecological Value
   • Biodiversity Hotspot: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with ecosystems ranging from alpine zones to montane forests.
   • Water Tower: Glaciers and snowmelt feed 21 major rivers (including the Tana and Ewaso Ng’iro), supplying water for agriculture, hydropower, and millions of people.
   • Wildlife Habitat: Home to elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rare species like the mountain bongo.
2. Cultural Value
   • Sacred Significance: Revered by the Kikuyu, Embu, and Meru communities as Kirinyaga — the dwelling place of Ngai (God).
   • Traditional Practices: Pilgrimages, rituals, and folklore preserve indigenous heritage.
3. Aesthetic & Tourism Value
   • Scenic Beauty: Snow-capped peaks, glacial valleys, and unique vegetation attract climbers, photographers, and nature lovers.
   • Adventure Tourism: A hub for hiking, mountaineering, and wildlife tourism, boosting local economies.
4. Geological Value
   • Ancient Origins: An extinct stratovolcano (~3 million years old), offering insights into East Africa’s tectonic history.
   • Glacial Landforms: Features like Lewis Glacier provide vital climate change data.
5. Historical Value
   • Exploration Legacy: Documented by early explorers like Halford Mackinder.
   • National Symbol: Featured on Kenya’s coat of arms and currency.

Urgency of Conservation
With glaciers vanishing rapidly, Mt Kenya’s ecological, cultural, and economic functions are at risk. Initiatives like bamboo planting along rivers and glacier restoration are vital to protect this irreplaceable landmark.
Mt Kenya is more than a mountain — it is a lifeline for ecosystems, cultures, and economies. Protecting it means safeguarding water security, cultural heritage, and climate resilience for generations to come.