This archive report was first published on 14 July 2019.
Published on July 14, 2019, the government's plans to evict more than 40,000 settlers in the Mau Forest have sparked uncertainty.
Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko announced that the second phase of the eviction is underway, with the aim of saving the dwindling ecosystem.
Speaking at Duka Moja in Narok County, Tobiko stated that the first phase of the eviction had secured 12,000 acres of land, and that the government would stop at nothing to restore the forest to its original state.
Tobiko blamed politics for the delay in the second phase of the evictions, warning that the families risked being surcharged for destroying government forest.
He dismissed title deeds of parcels of land in the Mau Forest area as 'mere papers', stating that those who encroached the forest should be made to pay for it.
Narok North legislator Moitalel ole Kenta echoed Tobiko's sentiments, urging the government to address the Mau Forest issue once and for all for the sake of future generations.
Tobiko also urged locals to plant trees to meet the 10 per cent forest cover per household as recommended by the government.
