Mount Mtelo

Mount Mtelo (Sekerr) is the fifth highest summit in Kenya (3325m/10,910ft) [1] and is situated in the North West highlands of West Pokot, approximately 120km north of Kitale Town. [2]

Climbing the mountain

Marich Pass Field Studies Centre represents a good base from which to explore the mountain and guides are available to help you with the ascent. It is a three day hike to the top and back and it is advised that hikers stay overnight at the Mount Mtelo View Campsite . However, it is possible to get to the campsite by vehicle too. No specialist equipment or training is required for the climb and there are different trails that can be taken to the campsite passing through cultivated areas of the Pokot, forest and open moorland, with extensive views of eastern Uganda and north-west Kenya on a clear day. The mountain is considered sacred as it is described as the cradle of pastoral Pokot according to oral traditions .

The altitude means the temperature and humidity is lower than in Marich making hiking far more comfortable aswell as being unfavourable for mosquitoes.

Community and development projects

The area is home to six tribes Chapin, Kamket, Ngusurot, Silokot, Talai and Tungo with a overall population of over 30,000. However, the area is isolated and most people are involved in subsistence farming (Maize and Beans). In recent years local people, with outside assistance, have worked to set up a number of community projects aimed at helping the Pokot people of the Mbara sub-location. These projects have included: the creation of a number of water pipeline projects which provide safe drinking water to the local population; the building of a new clinic; and a tree nursery controlled by a local women’s group.[3]