The Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Environment Aden Duale on Wednesday, November 13 banned farming in all forests.
While addressing a function in Bungoma County, the Environment CS called on leaders and locals to work collectively to ensure that the forests are protected.
“This forest of Mt. Elgon, we cannot preserve it if we leaders and the government cannot work together.
At the same time those who will be found breaking the law will be arrested,” Duale warned.
Duale bans cultivation activities in forests
“All natural forests and I am using an immediate total ban on cultivation in Cheptais and any other legally designated natural forests in our country,” Duale added.
Further, the Environment CS reiterated that any individuals found contravening the ban will be dealt with according to the law, irrespective of their status in society.
“This ecological system must be safeguarded to maintain its integrity and biodiversity.
Also Read: CS Duale Announces Mandatory Relocation of Residents in Riparian Land
Anyone including government officials found engaging in activities that harm this ecosystem be it through collision, encroachment, illegal cultivation will face severe consequences including dismissal,”the environment reiterated.
At the same time, Duale said that President William Ruto’s administration is committed to making sure Kenyan tree growing objective is achieved.
“Under President Ruto’s leadership, we are serious, we are focused in making sure Kenya tree growing is achieved,” Duale said.
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Environment CS raises concern of alarming trends of deforestation in Wajir and Garissa Counties
The Environment CS’s recent statement follows his earlier warning about alarming deforestation trends in Garissa and Wajir Counties.
On Monday, September 30, 2024, Duale urged the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to provide alternative fuel sources to address the issue.
“As the agency responsible for managing refugee affairs globally, UNHCR must urgently supply alternative fuel sources to refugees and host communities to stop the ongoing destruction,” Duale emphasized.
Also Read: CS Duale Issues Fresh Orders Over Pollution of Nairobi River
He expressed deep concern over the extensive clearing of trees and vegetation around refugee camps in Garissa and Wajir Counties for wood fuel, noting that this deforestation has been occurring for many years.
Additionally, he pointed out that the uncontrolled destruction of the Arid and Semi-arid Lands (ASAL) ecosystem is exposing residents to the adverse effects of climate change.
The CS emphasized that deforestation is undermining the government’s initiative to restore Kenya’s degraded landscapes
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