Fire destroys section of Kakamega forest

By GRACE WEKESA

Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has put its staff on full alert after fire destroyed trees and other vegetation on the highest view point of Kakamega Forest.

The officer in charge of Kakamega Forest Mwai Muraguri said 15 hectares of land on Lirhanda viewpoint have been destroyed.

The fire is believed to have been started by arsonists who took advantage of the dry weather.

Muraguri asserted that following the incident his department has recalled all its staff on leave and instructed them to be on standby for any fire outbreak.

KFS is also educating the public on the dangers of lighting fire near the forest.

He added that his department was happy with the corporation it has received so far from other agents.

Muraguri applauded media and the general public in guarding the forest against destruction.

The Forest, which is the only remaining tropical rain forest that runs from West Africa and Uganda has been under threat from human encroachment leading to a large chunk of its land being converted for human settlement and farming.