CS Tuya orders for revocation of all title deeds in forest lands

The CS spoke at Ololua Forest, part of the Ngong' Hills Forest Station, on Wednesday to address the local Community Forest Association's (CFA) concerns about encroachment and irregular land allocations within gazetted forests.

The event was attended by prominent officials including the Principal Secretary for Forestry, Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, and former Kajiado Senator Hon. Peter Mositet. 

CS Tuya stated that the revocation is intended to correct discrepancies in which parcels of land were incorrectly granted titles despite being in the government's legal custody.

"The issuance of title deeds for lands within gazetted forests is contrary to existing regulations and undermines efforts toward sustainable forest management," CS Tuya stated. 

"It is imperative that we uphold the integrity of our forests, which are vital for environmental conservation and ecosystem services."

Tuya directed the Chief Conservator of Forests, Alex Lemarkoko, to work with the Ministry of Lands to ensure that the affected title deeds are cancelled in an orderly and lawful manner. 

According to Tuya, public organisations with land in gazetted forests will be granted Special User Licences as required by law. 

These licences will allow such organisations to use the land for specific purposes while adhering to environmental regulations and sustainable land management practices.

The latest development comes amid growing concerns about unauthorised encroachment activities in Kenya's forests, as evidenced by the construction of illegal perimeter walls within Ololua Forest. 

Local leaders, including Senator Seki Lenku and MP Onesmus Ngogoyo, praised the Ministry of Environment's prompt response and thanked the government for its commitment to addressing the issue of forest encroachment.

In response to community concerns, Lemarkoko reiterated KFS's unwavering commitment to forest protection and urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure Kenya's forests' ecological integrity.