This archive report was first published on 9 May 2020.
Published on May 9, 2020, the National Environmental Complaints Committee has cautioned against any attempts to settle displaced families in existing forest cover.
The committee, led by secretary John Chumo, emphasized that the country is still struggling to attain the required 10 per cent forest cover and that interfering with the existing canopies will lead to more environmental hazards.
Heavy rains have caused devastation across the country, with parts of Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, West Pokot, and Trans Nzoia counties being the most affected in the North Rift region.
According to Chumo, more than 190 Kenyans have lost their lives, and hundreds of others have been displaced.
“The displaced people should not be settled on any forest but can be settled on the many idle lands in this country. The National Land Commission and the affected counties should identify and acquire such idle land for resettlement of the affected families,” said Chumo.
