Nyeri: Residents of Karima Ward have submitted a petition to the Nyeri County Assembly addressing deforestation at the Karima Hill Forest in Othaya Sub-County. Led by the area MCA, Eunice Wagaki, the residents are urging the County Assembly to take action to protect the Karima Hill forest and uphold the constitutional rights of the local community.
According to Kenya News Agency, Wagaki emphasized the residents’ deep concern over the increasing rate of deforestation, which has resulted in the loss of significant tree cover. She appealed for the House’s intervention to immediately halt activities leading to the felling of trees at Karima Hill Forest, aiming to ensure sustainable management and conservation as outlined in Article 69 of the Constitution of Kenya.
The petition reveals that in 1998, Kenya Tea Development Agency Ltd (KTDA) entered a 30-year lease with the Nyeri County Council for 80 acres of the hill. During this lease period, KTDA has reportedly removed numerous trees, damaging the indigenous environment. The forest, originally populated with pine trees, has seen them replaced by eucalyptus trees over time.
Wagaki reiterated the need for the County Assembly’s action to protect the forest and the residents’ rights. County Speaker James Gichuhi has referred the petition to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources for further consideration and reporting.