This archive report was first published on 28 August 2019.
On August 28, 2019, Chief Conservator of Forest Julius Kamau led an aerial tour of the Eastern Mau ecosystem, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by charcoal burning, illegal logging, and grazing.
Speaking during the tour, Mr. Kamau emphasized the need for local communities to collaborate in the fight against these illegal activities, warning that those found engaging in them would face consequences.
"The illegal logging, charcoal burning, and grazing, although reduced, still pose a threat to the Eastern Mau's water tower," Mr. Kamau said. "Action will be taken against anyone who engages in these activities."
Mr. Kamau also instructed forest officers to uphold ethics and work with other security agencies to protect forest resources.
The moratorium on logging activities in public and community forests remains in place, with the Kenya Forest Service committed to enforcing it. The ban, imposed in February 2018, aims to allow for the reassessment and rationalization of the country's forest cover.
Since the ban, the cost of construction has increased due to the scarcity and higher prices of timber and poles.
During the tour, Mr. Kamau conducted impromptu inspections of forest stations in Kericho and Nandi Counties, encouraging adjacent communities to participate in forest conservation through Community Forest Associations.
