This archive report was first published on 26 August 2019.
On August 26, 2019, the debate on restoring the Mau Forest complex resurfaced, with the government announcing a new round of evictions of encroachers on the forest.
From past experience, a more rational approach is paramount to secure a lasting solution to a matter that has dragged on for far too long.
At the weekend, Rift Valley leaders convened a meeting in Nakuru and made several suggestions, including a postponement of the eviction to allow for relocation of those settled in the forest.
However, the leaders have a poignant statement that the eviction should be humane, and not done in a manner that creates a humanitarian crisis.
Some of the settlers were victims of political trickery, having been misled to occupy forest land, hence should not be subjected to further misery.
Concomitant to this, the government must provide alternatives to the people so that they can pick up and continue with their lives.
The destruction of Mau Forest has precipitated unprecedented risks that the country can no longer ignore.
Every effort must be made to avert further environmental dereliction, as Mau is the greatest water tower that serves the entire East and Central Africa region.
