This archive report was first published on 1 September 2019.
Published on September 1, 2019
Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko is set to face Members of Parliament next week to answer questions about the planned phase two evictions of persons from Mau Forest.
The National Assembly Committee on Environment and Natural Resources has invited Mr Tobiko to appear before it and provide more information about the evictions before they are conducted.
Committee chairman Kareke Mbiuki has also asked the Environment ministry to ensure public participation, sensitization, and engagement with local leaders of the affected counties and communities as envisaged in the Constitution.
Mr Mbiuki stated, 'As a committee, we will be inviting the CS next week when Parliament resumes, to come and shed more light to Parliament on the proposed phase II evictions before the exercise is conducted.'
The committee wants the ministry to have a post-eviction plan to ensure that the affected persons are resettled and can move on with their lives with minimal disturbance.
Mr Mbiuki emphasized, 'The ministry must have a post-eviction plan to ensure that the affected persons are resettled and move on with their lives with minimal disturbance, including the school-going children and especially the KCSE and KCPE candidates.'
On Wednesday, Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya ordered the closure of 15 schools in Mau Forest, instructing parents to take their children to other government-approved learning institutions.
