This archive report was first published on 18 December 2019.
On December 15, 2019, a section of Samburu residents who had been living illegally in Kirisia forest began moving out voluntarily. The Kenya Forest Services had been working to raise awareness about the importance of conserving the forest and its adjacent communities.
As a result, a community forest association (CFA) was formed, and leaders were elected to oversee the conservation efforts. Kirisia forest spans an impressive 91,944 hectares and had been home to approximately 10,000 squatters for over 20 years.
The squatters had initially moved into the forest due to conflicts over resources such as water and grazing fields. Climate change also played a significant role, as the forest provided vital pasture for livestock during dry seasons.
Thanks to a project funded by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the Kenya Forest Services and other state agencies held several sensitization meetings with the Samburu Community. The community agreed to voluntarily vacate the forest without the use of force.
As of December 17, 2019, approximately 500 families had left the forest, and an area of about 1,000 hectares was now open and ready for rehabilitation. The Chief Conservator of Forests, Julius Kamau, praised the move, stating that it would open a new chapter for the restoration of Kirisia forest.
"The future of forest conservation, management, and protection is pegged on how effectively KFS engages the forest adjacent communities through CFAs in participatory forest management approaches that also include livelihood support to the communities," Kamau said.
He also urged other illegal settlers in public forests to emulate the example set by the people of Samburu.
