This archive report was first published on 24 October 2019.
As the October 31st deadline for those occupying the Mau Forest looms, the Kenyan government remains resolute in its stance. According to Rift Valley Regional Commissioner George Natembeya, the government will not extend the deadline, despite pleas from some families to do so.
As of now, Natembeya claims that 70% of those occupying the forest have voluntarily moved out, leaving only 30% behind. The government has set a target of planting 13 million trees in the area and installing beacons every 100 meters to prevent future encroachment.
With the deadline just seven days away, the government is urging those still occupying the forest to vacate the area immediately. Natembeya has warned that those who fail to comply will face the full force of the law.
The Mau Forest is a critical water catchment area, and the government is determined to reclaim it. The first phase of the evictions has already seen over 2000 families vacate the forest, and the government plans to start surveying the boundaries for the third phase once the second phase is completed.
