Forest conservation receives major boost

The ongoing forest conservation in the country has received a major boast with the World Bank (WB) committing Ksh 100m towards the exercise following several cases of eviction of communities living in forest reserve areas.

Speaking during a two-day workshop at Naivasha on Wednesday between the National Land Commission (NLC) and forest stakeholders, senior natural resource specialist, Edward Felix Dwumfour, said that they were keenly following the process so that no one was left behind.

The funds will be used to initiate dialogue among communities living in forest with a view of resolving cases of evictions in the water towers and making sure that all stakeholders are involved.

“For years, communities living in forest areas have been historically ignored and marginalized leaving them vulnerable, however, I am committed to making sure that the communities get assisted in poverty elimination,” assured Dwumfour.

Munyasia noted that the country’s forest cover and water supply was under threat due to forest invasion and was quick to note that KFS was working closely with other stakeholders, including communities living in forest areas, to conserve the water towers.

He welcomed the new directive by the NLC on the ongoing eviction adding that they were ready to work with the communities affected.

One of the youths Milkah Chepkorir from Embubut Forest said that they were tired and wanted a lasting solution to their problems.

“During these evictions, mainly the women and children bear the blunt of chaos and it is high time we put an end to this,” lamented Milka chepkorir.

The sentiments were echoed by Shaban Ndego from Mijikenda in Kwale County who accused KFS of being one of the main destroyers of forests.