This archive report was first published on 23 July 2019.
Kenya's five main forests, which are crucial water towers, have been ravaged by deforestation, drought, and forest fires. The government has evicted illegal settlers to pave the way for forest regeneration, but this process has been marred by issues related to autochthony, forest ownership, and the rights of vulnerable and marginalized groups.
Evictions have been a contentious issue, with the much-publicized Mau evictions in November 2009 and the Embobut evictions in January last year resulting in the death of one of the evictees. The use of force in evictions has led to social unrest and resentment towards the government and forest conservation.
Despite the evictions, the water towers have continued to degrade, with trees and shrubs vanishing at an alarming rate. The evictees themselves are a disconsolate lot, having lost their wealth and livelihoods, and are now venting their fury on the government and the forests.
However, the Kenya Forest Service has a duty to regrow the evacuated forests to their pre-deforestation standing, preferably with native trees. To achieve this, immense social work is needed, including sensitization of people on the importance of forests, reprehending charlatans who derail conservation, and counselling targeted evictees.
Moreover, more subtle means of integrated forest use and conservation should be sought, including productive forest livelihood options such as sericulture, silviculture, fruit farming, and insect farming. These options can engender nature-based enterprises and maintain a rich forest cover.
Ultimately, there is a need for political and social goodwill in the eviction of illegal forest settlers and in forest conservation. This requires a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of deforestation and promotes sustainable forest management.
Dr. Loice Kipkror, an environmental consultant and lecturer at the University of Kabianga's School of Arts and Social Sciences, emphasizes the importance of finding alternative solutions to deforestation.
