In the lush highlands of Mt. Elgon, where forests once symbolized abundance, firewood has become as valuable as gold. For many families, a single bundle of firewood is not just fuel — it is survival. It represents warm meals, boiled drinking water, and the ability to cook food that can sustain a household for days. As access to affordable energy becomes increasingly limited, communities are finding themselves in fierce competition over this essential resource.
Neighbors borrow, barter, and sometimes clash over firewood, knowing that without it, daily life comes to a standstill. What was once freely gathered is now scarce, turning ordinary routines into daily struggles. In some cases, the desperation to secure a few sticks of wood exposes families to exploitation and hardship, highlighting the harsh realities of energy poverty in rural Kenya.
The situation in Mt. Elgon reflects a broader challenge facing many communities across the country — the rising cost of living, limited alternative energy sources, and environmental pressures that strain natural resources. As firewood becomes more precious, the urgent need for sustainable and affordable energy solutions grows clearer than ever.
