Kaya elders seek State support to conserve forests

By Joseph Masha

Kilifi, Kenya: Kilifi County Kaya Council of Elders has challenged the national and county governments to involve the elders in conservation of the Kaya forests.

The council led by the vice chairman Hillary Tsuma said failure by the relevant government departments to incorporate the elders in conservation efforts had resulted to destruction of forest cover.

A special delegation of the elders who paid a courtesy call on the Kilifi County Commissioner Erastus Ekidor claimed that the State was not supporting them in their efforts to protect and conserve the shrines.

“Kayas have a significant meaning to the members of the Mijikenda in terms of promoting the traditions and cultures of the community and to ensure the zones are not tampered with, the Government has to ensure it fully incorporates the elders in their protection efforts,” said Mr Tsuma.

The delegation of the elders had been coordinated by Amin Tengeza, an official of the National Museums of Kenya in Kilifi to introduce them to relevant government officials involved in conservation of the forests.

Mr Ekidor said the Government would incorporate elders in conservation of Kaya forests.