Sunday, July 6, 2025
  • News
  • Weather
    • Climate Business
    • Climate Change
    • Climate Solutions
    • Living Green
  • Business
  • Health
  • Opinion
  • Law & Order
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Sci-Tech
  • Behind The Brand
REGISTER
LOGIN
No Result
View All Result
The Kenya Times
  • News
    Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni Photo/Museveni X

    Museveni Nominated to Seek Another Term, Highlights Six Priorities

    Chavakali High School Fees, KCSE Performance and Contacts

    Chavakali High School History, Fees, KCSE Performance and Key Contacts

    JKIA KAA

    KAA Issues Travel Advisory for Passengers Using JKIA and Wilson Airport

    CJ Koome Launches Mahakama Popote Virtual Court Guide. Robert Alai

    Judiciary Issues Statement After Police Fired Shots at Ruiru Law Courts

    Motorists Stranded for Hours Along Mombasa–Nairobi Highway

    Traffic Snarl-Up Leaves Motorists Stuck on Mombasa–Nairobi Highway

    Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza. PHOTO/Governor Kawira Mwangaza

    Kawira Mwangaza Makes Comeback as New Party Leader After Ditching UDA

    National Treasury CS John Mbadi during a Senate Budget and Finance Committee meeting at County Hall, Parliament Buildings on March 18, 2025. PHOTO/Treasury X.

    Mbadi Appoints Former Governor to Replace Wangamati as CSs Make Changes

    IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon appears before JLAC for vetting on May 31, 2025. PHOTO/National Assembly

    IEBC Addresses Reports of Removing 2 Million Voters from Register

    Kisii, Moi Among Universities with High 2025 Placements

    Kisii, Moi Among Universities with High 2025 KUCCPS Placements

  • Weather
    • Climate Business
    • Climate Change
    • Climate Solutions
    • Living Green
  • Business
    KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga speaking at a past event. PHOTO/KRA X

    KRA Issues Way Forward on Eldoret Congestion After Traders’ Outcry

    UK Leads in CBK Cross-Border Movement of Cash Survey

    Top Destinations Where Kenyans Are Wiring and Taking Physical Cash Abroad

    Co-op Partners with KTDA After Joining Africa's Top 25 List

    Co-op Bank to Invest Ksh1.2 Billion After Joining Africa’s Top 25 Largest Banks List

    EABL Names New Managing Director for Kenya in Major Leadership Shakeup

    EABL Names New Managing Director for KBL in Major Leadership Shakeup

    A person holding the Kenyan Shilling.

    Why Kenyan Shilling Has Strengthened in 2025 Compared to 2024

    Old Mutual offices

    Old Mutual to Cease Operations in South Sudan After Selling Tanzania Subsidiary

    Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa during the announcement of the company's 2425 Financial Year results. PHOTO/Safaricom PLC

    Safaricom Reports Ksh69.8 Billion Profit Ahead of 2025 AGM

    The Commercial International Bank (CIB) announced the acquisition of Mayfair Bank in Kenya in 2019. PHOTO/Daily News

    Commercial International Bank (CIB) Owners, Branches & Loans Offered

    KRA Announces Changes Affecting All Importers and Exporters

    KRA Announces Changes Affecting All Importers and Exporters

  • Health
    Medical examiner or forensic scientist with dead man's corpse in morgue. Photo/ Pexel

    Pneumonia and Cancer Emerge Among Lead Causes of Death in Kenya

    Aga Khan University Hospital Section Head, Nuclear Radiology and Chair, Department of Radiology

    Aga Khan Leads the Region in Advancing Prostrate Cancer Treatment

    Kenyatta National Hospital Gets EIB Global Boost for Energy Supply

    European Union Bank Intervenes to Help KNH Solve Frequent Blackout Challenge

    Govt Confirms Ksh 46,120 Monthly Pay for Intern Doctors

    Kenyan Govt Confirms Ksh46,120 Monthly Pay for Intern Doctors

    Tips on How to Navigate Raising Adolescents Teenagers

    One in Five Kenyan Teens at Risk of Mental Health Disorders – Report

    A first aid kit. PHOTO: Independence

    Basic First Aid Procedure For Injured

    Huduma Center Building, Kenya.

    Huduma Kenya Introduces Sign Language Interpreters

    BCG Vaccines Shortage Adressed as Kenya Receives 3M Doses

    Duale Says Ruto Signed Law Allowing SHIF Deductions in December 2024

    SHA headquarters in Nairobi

    High Court Judge Says SHIF Deductions Are Illegal

  • Opinion
    Kenya 2025/26 Budget Draws Criticism Over Tax Burden

    Demystifying Revenue Measures and Expenditure Outlook in Kenya – 2025/26

    Discipline Crisis: How Weak Parenting Shapes Our Youth

    The Crisis of Discipline: How Weak Parenting is Shaping a Bleak Future for Our Youth

    Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action

    Why African Higher Education Should Focus on Disaster Management & Climate Change

    Govt to Recognize Jobless Kenyans Without Certificates. Miguna Miguna Calls Out Ruto On Useless Degrees Remarks

    Kenya’s Universities Are Producing Graduates, But Is the Industry Ready to Receive Them?

    Why Gen Z protests are a threat to Kenya's politics and status quo

    Gen Z Is Not Passing Cloud But Seismic Change

    Donald

    At June’s NATO Summit, Just Keeping Donald Trump in the Room Will Be Seen as A Victory

    NPSC Selection Panel Shortlists Eric Kiraithe, Mwachanya

    How To Stop Kenya’s Police from Killing with Impunity

    Health Worker Handling Mpox Vaccine Vials PHOTO/KBC

    Understanding How Mpox Spreads, Symptoms, and How to Prevent

    Discipline Crisis: How Weak Parenting Shapes Our Youth

    Celebrating Father’s Day Unsung Heroes

  • Law & Order
    Sudan Army & Military soldiers patrol streets Juba PHOTO/UNICEF

    How Military Operations Get Their Codenames Around the World

    OCS Talaam

    Court Grants OCS Taalam Time in Albert Ojwang’ Death Inquest

    Guns recovered by police from civilians

    7 People Who Stole Guns During Gen Z Protests Arrested

    Aroko Turns to State Witness in Kasipul MP Murder Case

    New Twist as Businessman Aroko Turns to State Witness in Kasipul MP Murder Case

    LSK President Faith Odhiambo at a past function. PHOTO/Faith Odhiambo

    Faith Odhiambo Teaches Kenyans What to Do When Arrested During Protests

    NTSA on Road safety compliance checks at Luqman along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway. Photo/NTSA

    NTSA Introduces New Traffic Rules for School Buses, Matatus and Trucks

    Babu Owino Slams Sakaja Over Goons Disrupting Protests

    Babu Owino’s Message to Sakaja After Expose of Goons Hired to Disrupt Protests

    Vocal Africa CEO, Hussein Khalid

    Hussein Khalid Profile: Background, Education and Career

    Dusit D2 Terror Attack Suspects Found Guilty Sentenced

    Court Sentences Duo Found Guilty of Funding Dusit D2 Terror Attack

  • Sports
    Gor Mahia's defender Rooney Onyango (left) and his teammate Benson Omalla celebrate in a past match.

    Gor Mahia, Club CEO Ray Oruo Split Amidst Ongoing Overhaul

    Kenya Morans Humiliate Nigeria in Rugby Africa Sevens

    Simbas Name Squad As 2027 RWC Qualifiers Begins Tomorrow

    Traffic Police officers in a past assignment.

    Motorists Association of Kenya Expose NPS Traffic Extortion

    Key Lessons from the Great Gor Mahia Trophyless Season

    Key Lessons from the Trophyless Season by Great Gor Mahia

    André Onana Free to Leave Manchester United on Loan

    André Onana Free to Leave Manchester United on Loan

    Chelsea Slam U.S. Club World Cup as “Unworthy & Shocking”

    Chelsea Slam U.S. Club World Cup as “Unworthy &Shocking”

    Rally Italia Sardegna_Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team

    Hankook Tire Powers the WRC’s ‘EKO Acropolis Rally Greece’

    FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

    FIFA Club World Cup Golden Boot Winners & All Time Top Scorers

    Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA) Complex 60% Complete

    Olunga Shares Video of His World-Class Complex Nearing Completion

  • Entertainment
    Elon Musk Father

    How Elon Musk’s Father Married His Stepdaughter

    Pastor Livingston Makali Sells Prayers for Ksh5,000

    Pastor Livingston Makali Sells Prayers for Ksh5,000

    Karangu Wa Muraya Criticised Over His SHA Praises.

    Karangu Muraya Faces Backlash After Appealing for Medical Support

    American Mogul Tyler Perry

    Tyler Perry Sued for Sexual Assault by Actor Derek Dixon

    A photo of phone screens with the WhatsApp app. PHOTO/Nextpit.

    WhatsApp to Introduce Ads on Status & Channels

    Senator Hezena Lemaletian

    Senator Says Her Life Is in Danger After Rejecting Marriage Proposal

  • Lifestyle
    Elon Musk Father

    How Elon Musk’s Father Married His Stepdaughter

    Murphy

    From Co-Stars to Family: Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence Children Get Married

    Robbie Lyle, the Arsenal Superfan Who Revolutionised Football Media

    Meet Robbie Lyle: The Arsenal Superfan Who Revolutionized Football Media

    Ida Odinga and her husband Raila cut a cake at Villa Rosa Kempinski in Nairobi on August 24, 2023 at a party to celebrate her birthday and their anniversary.

    Raila Shares One Secret of a Lasting Marriage as He Graces Glamorous Wedding 

    Thriving business of Second-Hand Clothes PHOTO/Nation

    Leading Sources of Kenya’s Mitumba

    Cleaning a dirty fridge PHOTO/The Spruce

    Step-by-Step Process for Cleaning Your Fridge

  • Sci-Tech
    First Kenyan-Owned Aircraft to Land on Australian Soil

    First Kenyan-Owned Aircraft to Land on Australian Soil

    Step by Step Guide to Managing Your Google Account Storage.

    Out of Google Storage? Here’s How to Free Up Space Without Deleting Important Data

    President William Ruto inspecting ongoing Affordable Housing Project. PHOTO/PCS.

    Zuku Launches Ksh10 Per Day Wi-Fi

    Microsoft Headquarters. PHOTO/ Microsft

    Why Microsoft is Firing 6,000 Employees After Sacking 10,000 Two Years Ago

    A collage of AI photo and an English love poem that has been translated into a local language by Simba AI PHOTO/CLA/Simba AI Launch

    Simba AI: Kenya’s First AI That Understands & Translates English into Local Language

    properties of AICAR and its possible impact on different research domains.

    AICAR Peptide: Insights into Its Possible Role in Research and Future Implications

  • Behind The Brand
  • News
    Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni Photo/Museveni X

    Museveni Nominated to Seek Another Term, Highlights Six Priorities

    Chavakali High School Fees, KCSE Performance and Contacts

    Chavakali High School History, Fees, KCSE Performance and Key Contacts

    JKIA KAA

    KAA Issues Travel Advisory for Passengers Using JKIA and Wilson Airport

    CJ Koome Launches Mahakama Popote Virtual Court Guide. Robert Alai

    Judiciary Issues Statement After Police Fired Shots at Ruiru Law Courts

    Motorists Stranded for Hours Along Mombasa–Nairobi Highway

    Traffic Snarl-Up Leaves Motorists Stuck on Mombasa–Nairobi Highway

    Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza. PHOTO/Governor Kawira Mwangaza

    Kawira Mwangaza Makes Comeback as New Party Leader After Ditching UDA

    National Treasury CS John Mbadi during a Senate Budget and Finance Committee meeting at County Hall, Parliament Buildings on March 18, 2025. PHOTO/Treasury X.

    Mbadi Appoints Former Governor to Replace Wangamati as CSs Make Changes

    IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon appears before JLAC for vetting on May 31, 2025. PHOTO/National Assembly

    IEBC Addresses Reports of Removing 2 Million Voters from Register

    Kisii, Moi Among Universities with High 2025 Placements

    Kisii, Moi Among Universities with High 2025 KUCCPS Placements

  • Weather
    • Climate Business
    • Climate Change
    • Climate Solutions
    • Living Green
  • Business
    KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga speaking at a past event. PHOTO/KRA X

    KRA Issues Way Forward on Eldoret Congestion After Traders’ Outcry

    UK Leads in CBK Cross-Border Movement of Cash Survey

    Top Destinations Where Kenyans Are Wiring and Taking Physical Cash Abroad

    Co-op Partners with KTDA After Joining Africa's Top 25 List

    Co-op Bank to Invest Ksh1.2 Billion After Joining Africa’s Top 25 Largest Banks List

    EABL Names New Managing Director for Kenya in Major Leadership Shakeup

    EABL Names New Managing Director for KBL in Major Leadership Shakeup

    A person holding the Kenyan Shilling.

    Why Kenyan Shilling Has Strengthened in 2025 Compared to 2024

    Old Mutual offices

    Old Mutual to Cease Operations in South Sudan After Selling Tanzania Subsidiary

    Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa during the announcement of the company's 2425 Financial Year results. PHOTO/Safaricom PLC

    Safaricom Reports Ksh69.8 Billion Profit Ahead of 2025 AGM

    The Commercial International Bank (CIB) announced the acquisition of Mayfair Bank in Kenya in 2019. PHOTO/Daily News

    Commercial International Bank (CIB) Owners, Branches & Loans Offered

    KRA Announces Changes Affecting All Importers and Exporters

    KRA Announces Changes Affecting All Importers and Exporters

  • Health
    Medical examiner or forensic scientist with dead man's corpse in morgue. Photo/ Pexel

    Pneumonia and Cancer Emerge Among Lead Causes of Death in Kenya

    Aga Khan University Hospital Section Head, Nuclear Radiology and Chair, Department of Radiology

    Aga Khan Leads the Region in Advancing Prostrate Cancer Treatment

    Kenyatta National Hospital Gets EIB Global Boost for Energy Supply

    European Union Bank Intervenes to Help KNH Solve Frequent Blackout Challenge

    Govt Confirms Ksh 46,120 Monthly Pay for Intern Doctors

    Kenyan Govt Confirms Ksh46,120 Monthly Pay for Intern Doctors

    Tips on How to Navigate Raising Adolescents Teenagers

    One in Five Kenyan Teens at Risk of Mental Health Disorders – Report

    A first aid kit. PHOTO: Independence

    Basic First Aid Procedure For Injured

    Huduma Center Building, Kenya.

    Huduma Kenya Introduces Sign Language Interpreters

    BCG Vaccines Shortage Adressed as Kenya Receives 3M Doses

    Duale Says Ruto Signed Law Allowing SHIF Deductions in December 2024

    SHA headquarters in Nairobi

    High Court Judge Says SHIF Deductions Are Illegal

  • Opinion
    Kenya 2025/26 Budget Draws Criticism Over Tax Burden

    Demystifying Revenue Measures and Expenditure Outlook in Kenya – 2025/26

    Discipline Crisis: How Weak Parenting Shapes Our Youth

    The Crisis of Discipline: How Weak Parenting is Shaping a Bleak Future for Our Youth

    Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action

    Why African Higher Education Should Focus on Disaster Management & Climate Change

    Govt to Recognize Jobless Kenyans Without Certificates. Miguna Miguna Calls Out Ruto On Useless Degrees Remarks

    Kenya’s Universities Are Producing Graduates, But Is the Industry Ready to Receive Them?

    Why Gen Z protests are a threat to Kenya's politics and status quo

    Gen Z Is Not Passing Cloud But Seismic Change

    Donald

    At June’s NATO Summit, Just Keeping Donald Trump in the Room Will Be Seen as A Victory

    NPSC Selection Panel Shortlists Eric Kiraithe, Mwachanya

    How To Stop Kenya’s Police from Killing with Impunity

    Health Worker Handling Mpox Vaccine Vials PHOTO/KBC

    Understanding How Mpox Spreads, Symptoms, and How to Prevent

    Discipline Crisis: How Weak Parenting Shapes Our Youth

    Celebrating Father’s Day Unsung Heroes

  • Law & Order
    Sudan Army & Military soldiers patrol streets Juba PHOTO/UNICEF

    How Military Operations Get Their Codenames Around the World

    OCS Talaam

    Court Grants OCS Taalam Time in Albert Ojwang’ Death Inquest

    Guns recovered by police from civilians

    7 People Who Stole Guns During Gen Z Protests Arrested

    Aroko Turns to State Witness in Kasipul MP Murder Case

    New Twist as Businessman Aroko Turns to State Witness in Kasipul MP Murder Case

    LSK President Faith Odhiambo at a past function. PHOTO/Faith Odhiambo

    Faith Odhiambo Teaches Kenyans What to Do When Arrested During Protests

    NTSA on Road safety compliance checks at Luqman along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway. Photo/NTSA

    NTSA Introduces New Traffic Rules for School Buses, Matatus and Trucks

    Babu Owino Slams Sakaja Over Goons Disrupting Protests

    Babu Owino’s Message to Sakaja After Expose of Goons Hired to Disrupt Protests

    Vocal Africa CEO, Hussein Khalid

    Hussein Khalid Profile: Background, Education and Career

    Dusit D2 Terror Attack Suspects Found Guilty Sentenced

    Court Sentences Duo Found Guilty of Funding Dusit D2 Terror Attack

  • Sports
    Gor Mahia's defender Rooney Onyango (left) and his teammate Benson Omalla celebrate in a past match.

    Gor Mahia, Club CEO Ray Oruo Split Amidst Ongoing Overhaul

    Kenya Morans Humiliate Nigeria in Rugby Africa Sevens

    Simbas Name Squad As 2027 RWC Qualifiers Begins Tomorrow

    Traffic Police officers in a past assignment.

    Motorists Association of Kenya Expose NPS Traffic Extortion

    Key Lessons from the Great Gor Mahia Trophyless Season

    Key Lessons from the Trophyless Season by Great Gor Mahia

    André Onana Free to Leave Manchester United on Loan

    André Onana Free to Leave Manchester United on Loan

    Chelsea Slam U.S. Club World Cup as “Unworthy & Shocking”

    Chelsea Slam U.S. Club World Cup as “Unworthy &Shocking”

    Rally Italia Sardegna_Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team

    Hankook Tire Powers the WRC’s ‘EKO Acropolis Rally Greece’

    FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP

    FIFA Club World Cup Golden Boot Winners & All Time Top Scorers

    Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA) Complex 60% Complete

    Olunga Shares Video of His World-Class Complex Nearing Completion

  • Entertainment
    Elon Musk Father

    How Elon Musk’s Father Married His Stepdaughter

    Pastor Livingston Makali Sells Prayers for Ksh5,000

    Pastor Livingston Makali Sells Prayers for Ksh5,000

    Karangu Wa Muraya Criticised Over His SHA Praises.

    Karangu Muraya Faces Backlash After Appealing for Medical Support

    American Mogul Tyler Perry

    Tyler Perry Sued for Sexual Assault by Actor Derek Dixon

    A photo of phone screens with the WhatsApp app. PHOTO/Nextpit.

    WhatsApp to Introduce Ads on Status & Channels

    Senator Hezena Lemaletian

    Senator Says Her Life Is in Danger After Rejecting Marriage Proposal

  • Lifestyle
    Elon Musk Father

    How Elon Musk’s Father Married His Stepdaughter

    Murphy

    From Co-Stars to Family: Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence Children Get Married

    Robbie Lyle, the Arsenal Superfan Who Revolutionised Football Media

    Meet Robbie Lyle: The Arsenal Superfan Who Revolutionized Football Media

    Ida Odinga and her husband Raila cut a cake at Villa Rosa Kempinski in Nairobi on August 24, 2023 at a party to celebrate her birthday and their anniversary.

    Raila Shares One Secret of a Lasting Marriage as He Graces Glamorous Wedding 

    Thriving business of Second-Hand Clothes PHOTO/Nation

    Leading Sources of Kenya’s Mitumba

    Cleaning a dirty fridge PHOTO/The Spruce

    Step-by-Step Process for Cleaning Your Fridge

  • Sci-Tech
    First Kenyan-Owned Aircraft to Land on Australian Soil

    First Kenyan-Owned Aircraft to Land on Australian Soil

    Step by Step Guide to Managing Your Google Account Storage.

    Out of Google Storage? Here’s How to Free Up Space Without Deleting Important Data

    President William Ruto inspecting ongoing Affordable Housing Project. PHOTO/PCS.

    Zuku Launches Ksh10 Per Day Wi-Fi

    Microsoft Headquarters. PHOTO/ Microsft

    Why Microsoft is Firing 6,000 Employees After Sacking 10,000 Two Years Ago

    A collage of AI photo and an English love poem that has been translated into a local language by Simba AI PHOTO/CLA/Simba AI Launch

    Simba AI: Kenya’s First AI That Understands & Translates English into Local Language

    properties of AICAR and its possible impact on different research domains.

    AICAR Peptide: Insights into Its Possible Role in Research and Future Implications

  • Behind The Brand
No Result
View All Result
The Kenya Times ~ Trending, Breaking News and Videos
No Result
View All Result
ADVERTISEMENT

Is The Shamba System Ideal For Kenya?

by Lynn-Linzer Kibebe
September 27, 2022
Reading Time: 6 mins read
Shamba System
FacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWhatsApp

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on September 24, 2022, proposed to have the country revert to Shamba System.

Gachagua’s proposal sparked debate across the country on whether the system is ideal for Kenya or whether Kenya is ready for the re-introduction of the Shamba System.

The deputy president while speaking in Baringo on that same day hinted that the government plans to allow peasant farmers to farm in forests to boost food production in the country – Shamba System.

“There was Shamba System where locals could plant maize until the trees grew. This government is yours; we have made an order for Wananchi to be given an opportunity to cultivate in the forest to have more food,” Gachagua noted.

However, Kenyans have had mixed reactions on the DPs proposal with critics saying it is the most abused programme in the forestry sector.

Kenyan Lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi equated the Shamba System to land grabbing while the outspoken lawyer Miguna Miguna termed it “a very bad idea”.

What Is the Shamba System

Shamba is a Swahili word meaning farm.

Shamba System was introduced in Kenya by the colonial administration in 1910 to provide raw materials for the timber industry and reduce pressure on natural forests. In other words, it was meant to promote sustained and optimum production of food crops and at the same time assist forest conservation.

It involved allocation of Shambas to farmers in degraded forests to plant and tend to tree seedlings as they cultivate their crops.

Moreover, the seedlings were provided by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) who also oversaw implementation of the system, whereas farmers provide labor whose pay was the product they would harvest from the Shambas. When the trees had matured enough, the beneficiaries would hand back the land to the Kenya Forest officials. For them, it was a win-win agreement.

Nonetheless, the Shamba System became very popular during the late President Daniel Moi’s rule. At this time, the system was aligned, and locals would cooperate with officials from the Kenya Forest Service in matters allocation of land (which was usually not more than an acre for each family).

Likewise, the communities who participated in the Shamba System cultivated maize, beans, potatoes, groundnuts, onions, and tomatoes.

In addition, farmers allocated the land would be allowed to harvest firewood, forest fruits, and even keep beehives.

In the beginning, the Shamba System transformed natural forest to 160,000 hectares of plantation forest. However, years later, the system was abolished due to mismanagement and destruction of forests.

Its first ban was in 1986 but was lifted in 1994 before the late President Mwai Kibaki barred it again in 2003 citing abuse by Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officials and timber millers.

Nonetheless, Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration also outlawed the Shamba System in January 2021 citing environmental degradation, three years after imposing cessation on logging in public and community forests over the same concerns.

Moreover, the government raised concerns over the encroachment of the Mau Forest particularly leading to mass evictions.

Why the Shamba System Was Abolished

In its inception stages, the Shamba System was successful due to the governments involvement through the Kenya Forest Service docket.

The KSF had personnel working hand in hand with farmers on a weekly basis. As a result, farmers could be guided on what to plant and what not to, and during what season plus the kinds of trees to plant and when to harvest.

Moreover, the KSF officers were also responsible for plot acquisition which ensured that only those with good intentions were allocated farmland.

Conversely, the Shamba System was banned under the late president Mwai Kibaki’s tenure after most farmers refused to vacate their allocated plots of land on the expiry of the three-year period given.

Similarly, the Kibaki-led government abolished the Shamba System because of logging.

Corruption was another reason for its abolishment as rogue millers allegedly collaborated with some KFS officials to cut down indigenous trees for personal benefits. The foresters were allegedly apportioning themselves huge chunks of forest land with little attention to the plants and tending to tree seedlings.

At the same time, the late Nobel Peace Prize Winner, and environmentalist Prof. Wangari Maathai criticized the Shamba System saying it had been abused.

According to the late Wangari, farmers turned large chunks of indigenous forests into farmlands thus, reducing the capacity of the forests to be effective water reservoirs.

Prof Wangari also noted that the Shamba System gave room for the introduction of non-native species such as cypress and eucalyptus. Thence, warning against sacrificing native forests for exotic plantations which she argued are environmentally harmful because they lack the ecologically crucial functions that an indigenous forest ecosystem can provide.

Nonetheless, an institutional task force was formed in the year 2000, to review the implementation of the Shamba System.

The task force comprised the Forest Department, the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Nyayo Tea Zones and Development Corporation (NTZDC).

In 2001, this task force released its report which recommended the sound management of areas under the system. This is where the deputy president needs to start before effecting his directive.

DP Gachagua’s Pronouncement

According to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, forests belong to Kenyans, and they have a right to unrestricted access.

“You are the ones who have taken care of them all these years. There is a CS who came and banned you from taking even a leaf to cook.” Stated the DP.

Gachagua further added that they were only waiting for the appointment of the new Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Forestry to give way forward.

He also added that it is unreasonable to deny Kenyans the chance to cultivate crops in forests and then import maize.

Also Read: DP Rigathi Says Farmers Should Revert to Shamba System

“So, we will release a plan where you cultivate in forests without destroying trees. And the good thing about trees is that once they grow big, no one will tell you to vacate the forest.” DP Gachagua stated.

The big question remains; Is the Shamba System Ideal for Kenya?

Tags: DP Rigathi GachaguaKenya Forest ServiceMinistry of Environment and ForestryShamba SystemWangari Maathai
Lynn-Linzer Kibebe

Lynn-Linzer Kibebe

Lynn-Linzer Kibebe is a journalist whose focus is on Politics and Lifestyle stories with a special interest in matters of Disability and Fashion. Her stories serve both National and Regional interests.

Related Posts

Boss Gladys Profile: Education, Career, Family and Networth

Gladys Boss Profile: Educational Background, Career, and Family

July 5, 2025
David Kangogo Profile: Education, Career, Family, Networth

David Kangogo Profile: Educational Background , Career, Family and Networth

July 5, 2025
Wanjiku Thiga Profile: Education, Career, Family, Networth

Wanjiku Thiga Profile: Educational Background and Career

July 4, 2025
KFS Clarifies Karura Forest Video, Denies Destruction Claims.

KFS Clarifies Viral Karura Forest Video Showing ‘Massive Destruction’

July 4, 2025
Advertisement

LATEST ARTICLES

  • Museveni Nominated to Seek Another Term, Highlights Six Priorities
  • Gladys Boss Profile: Educational Background, Career, and Family
  • David Kangogo Profile: Educational Background , Career, Family and Networth
  • Chavakali High School History, Fees, KCSE Performance and Key Contacts
  • KAA Issues Travel Advisory for Passengers Using JKIA and Wilson Airport
  • Demystifying Revenue Measures and Expenditure Outlook in Kenya – 2025/26
  • Judiciary Issues Statement After Police Fired Shots at Ruiru Law Courts
  • Traffic Snarl-Up Leaves Motorists Stuck on Mombasa–Nairobi Highway
  • Traffic Disruption on Southern Bypass as Oil Tanker Overturns
  • List of Countries with Official State Religions Around the World
  • Kawira Mwangaza Makes Comeback as New Party Leader After Ditching UDA
  • Mbadi Appoints Former Governor to Replace Wangamati as CSs Make Changes
  • IEBC Addresses Reports of Removing 2 Million Voters from Register
  • Kisii, Moi Among Universities with High 2025 KUCCPS Placements
  • KRA Issues Way Forward on Eldoret Congestion After Traders’ Outcry
Advertisement

Company

About Us

Our Authors

Our Experts

Social Media

Policies

Privacy Policy

House Rules

Standards and Policies

Terms and Conditions

Subscription

My Account

Contact Us

Contact Us

Join Our Team

Advertise With Us

© Copyright 2025 | The Kenya Times | All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Sign In with Facebook
Sign In with Google
Sign In with Linked In
OR

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Sign Up with Facebook
Sign Up with Google
Sign Up with Linked In
OR

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
Your Privacy and Cookies
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
LOGIN | REGISTER
  • Login
  • Sign Up
  • Cart
No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Diaspora News
    • National News
    • World News
  • Weather
  • Climate
    • Climate Business
    • Climate Change
    • Climate Solutions
    • Environment
  • Business
    • Banking
    • Cryptocurrency
    • Money Markets
    • Real Estate
    • Startups
  • Health
    • Mens Health
    • Mental Health
    • Wellness
    • Womens Health
  • Law & Order
    • Cyber Crime
    • Courts
    • Financial Fraud
    • Missing Persons
  • Sports
    • Athletics
    • Basketball
    • Boxing
    • Cricket
    • Football
    • Formula 1
    • Golf
    • Rugby
  • Entertainment
    • Music
    • Movies
  • Lifestyle
    • Arts & Culture
    • Disabilities Matters
    • Family
    • Fashion
    • Food
    • Human Interest
    • Travel & Tourism
  • Opinion
    • Editorials
    • Letters to Editor
    • John Mukum Mbaku
    • Makau Mutua
    • Peter Ongera
    • Salim Lone
    • XN Iraki
  • Sci-Tech
  • Behind The Brand
  • Contact Us

© 2024 The Kenya Times | Our Privacy Policy | Standards and Policies | House Rules