Alarm over new illegal Mau settlers

Kenya Water Towers Agency has warned of new encroachments into the Mau forest complex. The agency’s chairman Isaac Kalua said some illegal settlers have been going deep into the forest, causing further destruction.

Speaking to the Press in Narok town yesterday, Mr Kalua said the destruction being witnessed at Kenya’s largest water tower has contributed immensely to the dwindling water levels at Mara River.

“There has been unprecedented encroachment on the forest that has seen huge tracks of forest land being cleared for cultivation.

There has been an increase in illegal logging activities by people who present forged permits to our enforcement officers,” said Kalua, adding that the agency will soon automate licence issuance to ensure only genuine people harvest products.

Kalua said conservation efforts will not bear required results if politicians incite their supporters to evade the forest. “Leaders must unite and work together for conservation to succeed,” he said.