The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has issued a clarification on the demolition of alleged schools in Makutani Forest in Baringo County.
According to a statement on Sunday, January 4, 2026, KFS stated that the operation to secure the forest included the removal of illegal structures that had been put up in recent months to grab the forest.
“Kenya Forest Service undertook an operation on 3rd January 2026, to secure Makutani forest, in Baringo County. The operation included the removal of illegal structures that had been put up in recent months in an attempt to grab the forest,” read part of the statement.
KFS also dismissed claims of school destruction, labelling them as false
KFS Explains Removal of Illegal Structures in Makutani Forest
According to KFS, the existence of this structure posed a security challenge, which attempted to legitimize encroachment and settlement by pastoral communities in the gazetted forest, thereby defeating the forest conservation agenda.
In addition, the removal of illegal structures was necessary to secure the forest and enforce conservation laws.
Although online reports stated that the structure in question was a school used by residents, KFS clarified that it was a two-room iron-sheet structure that had been built deep inside the Lekirati area of the forest under the directive of a local leader.
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“The fact about this site is that a two –roomed iron sheet structure was erected at Lekirati area deep inside the forest, to defeat its gazettment through the directive of a local leader,” read part of the statement.
However, KFS highlighted that the construction had violated the Forest Conservation and Management Act No. 34 of 2016, which prohibits building in a gazetted forest without approval or prescribed fees.
“This is in contravention of the Forest Conservation and Management Act No. 34 of 2016, which prohibits the erection of any building within a gazetted forest except where the same is allowed for a prescribed fee,” read part of the statement.
Therefore, KFS has stated that patrols are ongoing to prevent further encroachment, while asking the public to disregard false reports claiming a school was demolished, as spreading misinformation could fuel conflict in an area already prone to insecurity.
How Makutani Forest Came to Be
In 2017, Legal Notice No. 265 declared over 13,000 hectares as Mukutani Forest.
It’s located in Baringo County, Northeast of Kabarnet Township, Baringo County, Rift Valley Province.
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The Endorois community and their representatives petitioned Parliament, claiming the process lacked free, prior, and informed consent, violating the Constitution and the Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016.
The Government stated that the gazettement followed legal procedures, with the Ilchamus community consenting to dedicate their land for conservation, viewing it as part of a larger ecosystem.
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