CS Tuya issues directive on grazing, grass harvesting in forests
Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Roselinda Soipan Tuya has issued fresh orders restricting grazing and harvesting grass in public forests.
In a notice on Friday, June 14, 2024, the CS directed the Chief Conservator of Forests to fully implement rules and regulations on grazing and grass harvesting in public forests.
CS Tuya ordered that the regulations be implemented to the letter.
“That, the Chief Conservator of Forests is hereby directed to ensure that established rules and regulations on grazing and grass harvesting in public forests are implemented to the letter,” CS Tuya ordered.
While implementing the new measures, CS Tuya argued that forest invasion undermines the government’s plan to plant over 15 billion trees.
Use of technology
To further protect the forests, CS Tuya announced that her Ministry was keen to deploy technology to ensure forest surveillance; hasten the delineation of boundaries; and expand the fencing programme to cover all gazetted public forests.
CS Soipan Tuya speaking in Narok County on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. PHOTO/ @HonTuya/X.
Moreover, CS Tuya made it clear that the Ministry shall only engage with forest-adjacent communities that are members of duly registered Community Forest Associations (CFAs) through negotiated Participatory Forest Management Plans (PFMPs) and Forest Management Agreements (FMAs).
Despite the government’s efforts in protecting the forest cover, Tuya emphasised that punitive actions needed to be effected for the results to be realised.
“As Government, we are focused on safeguarding the integrity of our public forests as we work towards enhancing our tree cover. The recent recruitment and deployment of 2,700 forest rangers, 100 cadets and 468 foresters has led to a significant decline in forest-related crimes.
“However, cases of illegal grazing in public forests are on the rise across the country. This undermines the progress we are making towards the 15 billion national tree growing target. The Forest Conservation and Management Act (2016) makes provision for the participation of local communities in the management of our gazetted forests. Section (49)(2)(d) of the Act confers certain user rights to forest adjacent communities including controlled grass harvesting and grazing,” she asserted.
Collectively, President William Ruto’s administration is focused on achieving the desired forest cover in the country. Since taking the instruments of power, Ruto has gazetted two public holidays to help in planting trees in the country.
To further achieve the target, all Cabinet Secretaries are under strict instructions to lead tree planting exercises in various parts of the country.
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