Committee warns against resettling flood victims in forests

National Environmental Complaints Committee has cautioned against any attempts to excise existing forest cover, as proposed by some leaders, to resettle families displaced by landslides and floods.

The committee said the country is still struggling to attain the required 10 per cent forest cover and interfering with the existing canopies will lead to more environmental hazards.

Committee secretary John Chumo said it is regrettable that more than 190 Kenyans had lost their lives and hundreds others displaced as heavy rains continue to cause havoc.

“The displaced people should not be settled on any forest but can be settled on the many idle lands in this country. The National Land Commission and the affected counties should identify and acquire such idle land for resettlement of the affected families,” said Chumo.

Landslides and floods have caused devastation across the country, with parts of Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, West Pokot and Trans Nzoia counties being the most affected in the North Rift region.