Laikipia: Laikipia County Conservator has revealed that the county is lagging behind in environment restoration with forest cover of 11.2 percent against the national's target of 30 percent. During the International Day of Forests celebrated on Friday, Peter Kariuki Kooro, while in the company of Laikipia County Commissioner Onesmus Kyatha, called for a concerted effort to fast-track forest cover in the county. The two spoke during the County International Day of Forest celebrations held at Thaama primary school in Maina location, in Nyahururu sub-county under the theme 'Forest and Food'.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kariuki said Laikipia County was supposed to plant 37 million trees annually which he said can only be achieved if people agreed to plant trees in their homes and shambas. Kyatha attributed the conflicts especially perennial human-wildlife conflict in the county to environment destruction. 'Perennial human-wildlife conflict experienced is due to degradation of animal habitats by humans causing animals to look for food in human settlements,' he said. The Commissioner condemned appetite for land, which he blamed for the destruction of forests in the County.
Separately, the county boss warned suspects stealing livestock around Nyahururu and other parts of the County saying the security team had their names. He revealed a bar called Losogwa as the place where suspected criminals meet to plan their raids and ordered the security team in Nyahururu sub-county to immediately close down the premises. He also noted the high prevalence of illicit brews in the Maina location and challenged the area Acting Chief to eradicate the drinks if she is to be confirmed in her position.