What we need to do to stop the destruction of tree cover

A section of the Kaptagat forest in Elgeiyo Marakwet County that has been destroyed by illegal loggers. [Photo by Kevin Tunoi/Standard]

Conservationists will no doubt welcome the three-month ban on logging announced by Deputy President William Ruto last week to stem the worrying depletion of forest cover across the country. It is also laudable that yesterday, Environment CS Keriako Tobiko took his cue from the DP and formed a team to assess the extent of the destruction.

There are those who think (rightfully) that Mr Ruto’s reawakening and change of mind has come 10 years too late. In 2008, Mr Ruto and former Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto led a gaggle of leaders from the South Rift who were vehemently opposed to conservation efforts at the Mau Forest. They must now rue the missed opportunity to regenerate the forest, one of the country’s vital water towers.