Londiani, Kericho County – In a decisive move to combat illegal forest activities, Environment, Climate Change and Forestry CS Soipan Tuya has delivered a firm warning.
According to Kenya News Agency, Tuya emphasized that the government will forcefully confront anyone found partaking in unlawful logging or charcoal burning, particularly in the counties of Kericho, Narok, Nakuru, and Baringo.
The recent National Tree Growing holiday witnessed several arrests in Kericho County, indicating the government’s escalating efforts against environmental degradation. Tuya condemned these activities, reaffirming the government’s dedication to eradicating forest destruction. She highlighted the issue of participatory forest management being misused for destructive purposes, rather than conservation.
Amidst this backdrop, the CS called for a national shift towards environmental conservation. She underscored the government’s commitment to achieving a 30% fruit tree coverage in its ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees. The National Landscape and Ecosystems Restoration Program is a key component of this initiative, aiming to restore 10.6 million hectares of degraded ecosystems and landscapes by 2032. This program is not only environmentally focused but also aimed at supporting livelihoods and combating climate change.
Tuya applauded the public’s participation in the recent tree-planting exercise, which surpassed the 150 million tree target. She encouraged further engagement through the Jaza Miti application, a digital tool to aid in the 15 billion tree-growing initiative.
Furthering these efforts, the Ministry is developing a new forest policy and revising the legislative framework to bolster forestry development in Kenya. This includes the establishment of commercial forestry and a forestry sector regulatory authority.
The ceremony also celebrated the graduation of 118 students from Kenya Forestry College, awarded diplomas and certificates in Forestry Management and Business Management. These graduates are expected to play a vital role in the Green Army Program, aligning with the Kenya Kwanza administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and the Ministry’s 2023-2027 strategic plan.
Tuya challenged the Kenya Forest Service Board to expand the college’s offerings and increase enrollment, noting significant improvements in the college’s infrastructure and productivity. The establishment of a sawmill at the college is also underway to enhance timber value chains in the country.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including the Principal Secretary, State Department of Forestry Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, Kipkelion East MP Joseph Cherorot, and the Chairman of the Kenya Forest Service Board Mr. Titus Korir, among other local leaders.