Trans-Nzoia reaps big from forest products

By OSINDE OBARE

Trans-Nzoia, Rift Valley: Trans-Nzoia County earns more than Sh1 billion annually from the sale of forest products, local ecosystem conservator Simon Wahome has said.

He said the eviction of illegal settlers at Sikhendu, Teldet and Kabolet forests has led to an increase in forest cover and increased revenue for the county government.

Speaking during the International Forest celebrations at Mabonde Primary School on Friday, Mr Wahome said the revenue was earned from both private and public forests.

He said the recent drive to kick out squatters who had invaded and settled on the public forests had arrested destruction of the environment.

“The county has been able to earn Sh1 billion annually from forest products from both public and private forests. We are striving to ensure the forests are protected from destruction,” said Wahome.

He said that they plan to plant more than three million seedlings this year in areas which had been occupied by illegal settlers.

During the function, Trans-Nzoia deputy County Commissioner Rebecca Muturi distributed more than 500 seedlings to residents and encouraged them to embrace tree planting to mitigate climate change.