Vacate public forest land, Principal Secretary tells squatters

By MICHAEL OLLINGA

UASIN GISHU  COUNTY: Environment, Water and Natural Resources Principal Secretary Richard Lesiyampe wants individuals who have encroached on public forest and other natural resources to vacate immediately.

He said most environment conservation programmes across the country have been impeded by people who have inhabited forest land and encroached on riparian areas.

“It is the responsibility of every citizen to participate in environment conservation. Vacating from water and forest reserves is one vital aspect of achieving a secure ecosystem,” he said.

Speaking when he called on Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago, Mr Lesiyampe said the Government was planning to replant depleted forests and rehabilitate rivers in all urban centres.

Lesiyampe was accompanied by Kenya Forest Service officials.

The PS asked the people who had not vacated forest reserves to do so voluntarily, as it was for the benefit of the larger community.

A number of Embobut forest inhabitants who had been given money by President Uhuru Kenyatta in November 2013 to find alternative land had not vacated, arguing that it has been difficult to find land to purchase.

Lesiyampe, however, dispelled claims that the Government has been evicting people from the forest.

The PS also warned individuals who have encroached on land near rivers to move away immediately to pave way for rehabilitation of water sources.

He disclosed that the Environment ministry would soon launch a rehabilitation programme for River Sosiani in Eldoret, and revive the stalled rehabilitation of Nairobi River, as it plans to cover more rivers in other urban centres