Narok: Narok County Commissioner Kipkech Lotiatia has cautioned residents against the felling of cedar trees, emphasizing the extended maturation period of this indigenous species. Addressing a public rally at the Kamoja area in Narok Central Sub-County, Lotiatia underscored the critical role these trees play in environmental conservation and stressed the importance of their protection.
According to Kenya News Agency, Lotiatia highlighted that the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) refrains from issuing licenses for the cutting or transport of cedar trees due to their lengthy maturation process, with some trees being over a century old. He further noted that transporting cedar timber or posts is illegal, as no licenses are granted for the movement of this native species.
Lotiatia also issued a warning against the practice of burning charcoal for commercial purposes, identifying it as a significant threat to environmental conservation. He remarked on the adverse effects of environmental degradation, citing instances of flash floods that have caused harm to people, livestock, and properties in the county due to deforestation.
However, he expressed gratitude to the community for their cooperation in providing valuable information that has facilitated the containment of forest crimes. This collaboration has been instrumental in conserving forests such as Limanet, Loita, and Nkaretta, which were previously at risk of severe destruction.
The commissioner urged residents to engage with technical officers at the forest office for guidance on suitable tree species for planting in their farms and compounds, considering the ecological compatibility of different zones. His remarks follow the Kenya Kwanza Government's ongoing efforts to implement an ambitious plan to plant over 15 billion tree seedlings over the next decade, with fruit trees constituting 30% of this initiative.