Nakuru: The Principal Secretary for Lands and Physical Planning, Generali Nixon Korir, together with his Forestry counterpart, Gitonga Mugambi, led a crucial stakeholders' engagement meeting in Nakuru County to oversee the implementation of a court ruling on the Mau Forest land boundaries. The meeting brought together key government officials, community representatives, and local leaders to discuss the beaconing process, transparency in land matters, and the importance of upholding the court judgment.
According to Kenya News Agency, the decision to mark the forest boundaries is part of the government's broader commitment to protecting Mau Forest, one of Kenya's most critical ecosystems. Mau Forest, the largest indigenous forest in the country, spans over 400,000 hectares and serves as a vital water catchment area for Kenya and the wider East African region. It is the source of numerous rivers that feed into Lake Victoria and the Nile Basin, supporting millions of people and wildlife. The forest plays a crucial role in stabilizing rainfall patterns, maintaining biodiversity, and mitigating climate change.
However, for decades, Mau Forest has faced massive deforestation due to illegal logging, agricultural encroachment, and human settlement. Studies indicate that over 40% of the forest cover has been lost, leading to severe environmental consequences, including reduced water availability, increased soil erosion, and the displacement of communities that rely on the forest for their livelihoods.
Speaking at the Nakuru meeting, PS Korir reaffirmed the government's dedication to enforcing the court ruling and ensuring that land boundary demarcation is done transparently. 'We are here to implement the court's decision and ensure the beaconing process follows the gazetted 2001 map. In the next 30 days, beacons for Mau East will be placed. I urge all stakeholders to support my surveyors to facilitate a smooth and efficient exercise,' said PS Korir. He emphasized that no money should exchange hands during the process, adding that there is no other land registry in Mau besides the officially recognized one.
PS Mugambi echoed these sentiments, stating that the government fully respects the rule of law and will strictly adhere to the court's directive to mark the forest boundaries. 'Our role here is to put the boundaries in place as per the 2001 map. We must honor the court ruling and ensure the process is transparent and peaceful,' he said.
Njoro Member of Parliament Charity Kathambi welcomed the move and commended the government for engaging the community in the exercise. 'Today, I am happy because the government has come to inform residents about what is happening on the ground. I urge everyone to support the officers as they carry out their work. Let us embrace peace and love one another,' she said, calling for unity among all affected communities, including the Ogiek. The Ogiek community, one of the indigenous groups in Mau Forest, has long fought for recognition of their land rights while also advocating for forest conservation.
Also present at the stakeholders' meeting were Nakuru County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara, area Members of County Assembly (MCAs), and other key officials. The beaconing process is part of a broader national effort to restore Mau Forest. Other initiatives, such as the national 15 billion Trees Campaign, launched in 2022, aim to combat deforestation and restore degraded ecosystems by planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
Through collaboration between government agencies, local communities, and international partners such as WWF and Nature Kenya, the country is making strides in reforestation. However, long-term success requires sustained commitment. Strengthening forest protection laws, investing in technology like GIS for monitoring, and fostering community-led conservation efforts will be crucial in ensuring Mau Forest remains a thriving ecosystem for future generations.
The government's ongoing efforts in Mau Forest restoration highlight the delicate balance between environmental conservation and human settlement.