Highest number of forest rangers in Kenyas history graduates in Londiani

Highest number of forest rangers in Kenyas history graduates in Londiani

About 291 forest rangers on Saturday graduated to join the existing team of enforcement and compliance officers following completion of a four-month paramilitary training course at the Kenya Forestry College in Londiani,

The number is the highest in the history of the Kenya Forest Service (KFS).

Environment Cabinet Secretary Prof Judy Wakhungu presided over the ceremony with a message to the graduates to uphold integrity and professionalism.

Wakhungu said that upon reporting to their workstations in two weeks time, the 291 graduates would be expected to serve Kenyans with diligence.

She said that by virtue of being public officers, they will be expected to adhere to the Public Officers and Ethics Act, adding that those who will engage in corrupt activities will not be spared.

The CS said that in line with the spirit of devolution, the Kenya Forest Service will continue working with county governments in order to ensure that forestation is realised.

She challenged Kenyans across the board to take advantage of the long rains in order to meet the 10 percent forest cover as required by international standards.

KFS Director Emillio Mugo said that the service has managed to meet the one-year deadline given by the CS to increase the number of forest rangers.

She said that this exercise was realised without any cases arising from political interference or legal suits.

The chairman of the KFS Board Peter Kinyua said that with the recent gazettment of four more forest conservancies in Turkana, Baringo, Tana River and Lamu Counties, there was need to increase the number of forest rangers in the country.

He stated that his service would be seeking the indulgence of the CS to have more funds allocated to the service in order to meet this need.

Kinyua observed that the four forest conservancies had increased the acreage of gazetted forests from 1.9 million to 2.5 million.

The chairman said that it would be of essence also to provide the necessary equipment for surveillance in addition to the equipment held by the service at the moment.

Kinyua also promised to increase housing for KFS rangers in order to improve their living conditions.

By Evans Asiba

Tags:

kenya Kenya Forest Service KFS Environment cabinet secretary prof. Judy wakhungu Forest Rangers

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