KABICOTOA (Kakamega Biodiversity Conservation and Tour Operators Association)

KABICOTOA was formed as a Community-based Association to uplift/improve the living standard of the local community neighbouring the Kakamega Rain Forest.

Activities carried out by the group:

1. Tree Seedlings – raising both Indigenous and Exotic
2. Protection of the Forest Flora and Fauna
3. Research and Education
4. Tour Guiding Operations

Although we have realised that this is not enough in the basics of conserving, protecting and improving the living standards of the entire Kakamega Rain Forest.

Needs and challenges:

• Education/training on proposal writing is one of the weaknesses
• More research and training in both medicinal plants, bird monitoring, mammals, welfare set-ups as income-generation among others.

All this was realised to set a sustainable management as an end goal.

Members of KABICOTOA:

1. Kevin Job Ilondanga
2. John Atsango
3. David Makonjio
4. Eunice Inziani
5. Smith Likane
6. Nicholas L. Shikuyenze
7. Nancy Khatioli
8. Humphrey Muhalia
9. Glaphas L. Isayi
10. Joyce Anjouje
11. Carolyne Shikuyenze
12. Moses Livarsia
13. Ben Obanda

Age range of the group is 20 years to 45 years. Majority below 40 years.

Some members of KABICOTOA are also members of other groups such as Muliru Farmers Conservation Group, APECAFOR (Area of Protection/Conservation of the Kakamega Forest.

KACOFA (Kakamega Community Forest Association)

1 is a member of KEEP (Kakamega Environmental Education Programme)

Contacts:

Email: <kabicotoa@yahoo.com>

Postal: KABICOTOA, Box 2153, Kakamega

Tel: 0720 366455

KABICOTOA are also just starting their own website at:

http://kabicotoa.blogspot.com

Information provided by : Secretary: Kevin Job Ilondanga. 15.2.07

Photo by Rest House at Isecheno Forest Station: Kevin Jog Ilondanga (Secretary), John A. Atsango (Vice Chairman), Nicholas Shikuyenze, Smith Likare (member, former chairman)