Forest ranger claims grass is greener on the other side

With the crucial, if belated, push to conserve water towers, most notably Mau Forest, the need to enforce the law against encroachment has never been more crucial. This role largely depends on forest rangers.

But, says a forest ranger in Bungoma, the officers work under very difficult conditions compared to Kenya Wildlife Service warders and other disciplined forces. For example, apart from lack of equipment, he claims that despite promises the long-running issue of hardship allowance has never been sorted out.

Scheme of service

"We feel demoralised since other disciplined forces, with whom we receive similar training, get salary increments. Surviving on our current meagre pay is difficult," he notes.

To add to the forest of complaints, the ranger further claims promotions are not fair and may be influenced through corruption and ethnicity.

"Most officers are hardworking. But we would be grateful if Kenya Forest Service looked into our scheme of service. We want to be treated like other disciplined forces," he tells Forestry Minister Noah Wekesa.