KFS burns down houses built inside Tapach Forest in West Pokot
By K24 Digital Reporter, October 14, 2025The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has set ablaze houses belonging to people who had encroached on Tapach and Kapushien forests along the border of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
Speaking after the activity on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, West Pokot Forest Conservator Benjamin Kore said the affected residents had been issued with notice to vacate before the exercise began.
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“The notice was issued a long time ago,” said Kore, adding that the operation is part of efforts by the government to reclaim forest land grabbed for farming and charcoal burning.
He said the government will continue with similar operations across all encroached forest zones to protect public land and curb environmental destruction caused by illegal logging.
“The exercise will go on until all public forest areas are fully restored,” he said. “Our goal is to safeguard the country’s natural resources for future generations.”
Council of Elders chairman in Pokot South Constituency, Julius Lonyangiro Lokudian, urged residents to stop invading government forests and engaging in charcoal burning.
“People must stop encroaching on government forests,” said Lokudian. “These forests are vital water sources that feed River Weiwei in Sigor Constituency.”
He noted that Tapach and Kapushien forests, together with neighbouring forests in Elgeyo Marakwet, are crucial in maintaining the region’s water supply and climate balance.
Lokudian called for the protection of Kamlokon, Chimwa, Cheptulel, Seker Kalapat, Rorusuk and Kamatira forests to prevent further degradation.
He urged the Pokot community to abandon the charcoal trade and wait for government interventions on alternative livelihoods.
“I thank President William Ruto for launching the NYOTA programme because it will help our youth shift from charcoal burning to sustainable business ventures supported through the initiative,” Lokudian said.