Alarm over rampant illegal charcoal trade

Authorities have raised alarm over rampant illegal charcoal trade in the county despite a ban that was imposed last year.

Narok County Commissioner Magu Mutindika and Environment Executive Rebbeca Nkouwa said unscrupulous traders have resorted to using donkeys and motorbikes to ferry the charcoal from the endangered Mau, Olkurto, Olposomoru and Nyakweri forests to Narok town. "The ban on transportation and sale of charcoal still stands.

But we have noted there are hundreds of donkeys and boda bodas ferrying charcoal at night. We will launch a crackdown," said Mr Mutindika. He added he has instructed the sub-county security team to be more vigilant.

Ms Nkouwa called on the security team to conduct checks on boda boda operators engaging in the illegal trade and legal action be taken against them. "We are on a mission to reclaim all our forests," she said.