Mukogodo: The government has launched a reforestation initiative in Laikipia's Mukogodo Forest even as security agencies prepare to move in to flush out bandits that have for years used it as their hideout.
According to Kenya News Agency, a total of 10,000 trees have been planted in the last two weeks in parts of the 74,000-acre indigenous forest now faced with degradation risks due to illegal occupation and wanton destruction of the tree cover by armed migrating herders. Vincent Ongere, Director Administration, State Department for Wildlife, who spoke on behalf of Principal Secretary for Wildlife Silvia Museiya during a tree planting exercise in Mukogodo, termed the forest as one of the largest dry forests in Kenya. It serves as a key wildlife corridor linking the Mount Kenya ecosystem to the northern rangelands, including Samburu, supporting a rich diversity of wildlife, including buffaloes, leopards, and over 200 bird species.
The forest cover restoration campaign is spearheaded by the Department of Wildlife in the Tourism Ministry and has brought on board the local Community Forest Association (CFA), educational institutions in the neighborhood, and Yiaku, a minority community that has for generations depended on this natural resource for their livelihood.
Ongere emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, "This is a presidential directive of growing 15 billion trees by the year 2032. Hence this exercise is important, and we are working with all the stakeholders to ensure this habitat is restored. We are taking advantage of these rains."
He also revealed that other forests targeted by the department in the reforestation initiative to grow at least 1.5 billion trees every year include Lariak, Chepalungu, Oloitoktok, and Nyandarua. "We have a direct interest as the Department of Wildlife because this is the habitat for our animals and where they get food. Also good for oxygen sequestration," highlighted Ongere.
Mukogodo Forest manager Kenneth Were praised the initiative, noting that once banditry has been weeded out and with restoration efforts, the forest will boost tourism in the region. "This is a very unique forest. It harbors both wildlife and people without any major incidents apart from the bandits who are being flushed out. Mukogodo is a very safe place where we target investors to come and do ecotourism," said the forester.
On Tuesday this week, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Hassan toured the area in the company of senior security officers and ordered the people residing in the forest to vacate immediately ahead of the multi-agency security operation. This is part of efforts to restore security in the restive neighborhood and protect the forest from further destruction.