The government has sounded a stern warning to individuals engaging in illegal businesses within forests.
Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Aden Duale says illegal logging and charcoal businesses have continued to affect the forest ecosystem.
This, he said has continued to derail efforts of conservation.
Speaking at Kenya Forestry College-Londiani on Friday September 13, 2024 during the 47th graduation, Duale put on notice individuals and companies involved in such businesses.
He stated that the government will take stern actions in a bid to protect the forests.
“I call for immediate stop to illegal logging in our forests and this we are not begging. We must stop illegal encroachment of our forests as they are threatening not only our environment, but our future too,” he stated.
While pointing out that as per Forest Conservation and Management Act, those around forests have certain user rights which include grazing and cultivation, the CS was categorical that the rights should not be abused.
He added that the certain user rights must be regulated.
At the same time, the CS lauded forest rangers for the continued support in safeguarding forests, but warned a few who might be sleeping on their job.
“Our forests rangers majority are good people. I urge them to adhere to their mandate of protecting the ecosystem.
Those engaging in illegal businesses among them charcoal to mess the forests will face full wrath of the law,” he stated.
The CS hinted at possible revival of the late Michuki policies on matters environment.
On the government’s agenda of growing 15 billion trees by 2032, Duale urged Kenyans to embrace and support the agenda.
The CS reiterated the need for fruits seedlings to be supplied to members of the public towards eradicating poverty and ensuring food security.
“I urge all citizens to participate in the tree growing exercise that the government rolled out. This is a citizen driven initiative,” he said.
During the event 197 graduated as follows; Diploma in Forestry (104), Diploma in Environmental Management(14), Certificate in Forestry(79).Meanwhile, Duale maintained that Commercial plantation (About 150,000ha) is a public asset and resources and that the Kenya Forest Service should comply with Public Management act in matters allocation.
He warned that there shall be no direct allocation moving forward.
Earlier in the day, the CS laid foundation stone at the college for Timber value addition Centre that will play key role in ensuring value addition products.He assured the 197 who graduated during the ceremony of many government opportunities that they can tap into.
“As a Government we are focused on service delivery and the President means good for this country,” he stated.
Speaking during the event, Titus Korir(Chairman KFS Board of Directors) lauded Kenya Forestry College-Londiani terming it the leading College in matters Forestry.
He revealed that the Board has supported a number of programs and will also support the College’s Business plan.
While noting challenges of housing, Korir said the Board will provide material from the College Saw Mill towards construction of houses for staff.
Chief Conservator Alex Lemarkoko on his part noted that the College is an institution that is in line with the current Government policy on forest cover.
“The training remains relevant in ensuring the right skills towards management of our forests. The lot graduating today should be absorbed in the sector,” he said.
Sentiments echoed by Principal Ms Elizabeth Wambugu.
She noted that the College has had the the highest number of graduands since the college started with the current enrollment being at 500.
“They leave here well trained with relevant skills, knowledge and the right attitude to serve,” she said.
According to her, the college is contributing towards 15 billion trees by 2032 Government’s call through seedlings nursery management.
Kericho County Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo who also graced the event called for the need for all to embrace conservation and support government agenda on 15 billion trees by 2032.
Sentiments echoed by Kipkelion East MP Joseph Cherorot.
The Lawmaker while encouraging the graduates to soar higher, said the College has continued to play key role in matters conservation.
“At some point this College was neglected but it has come back. I laud the Principal and the Administrators for the work they are doing to improve the Institution. As leadership, we shall continue to support the Institution,” he stated.
The Legislator at the same time called for the revival of 4K clubs in schools so that they can also help grow trees.