CS Tobiko sacks Kenya Forest Service officers

Following the 90-day ban on logging imposed by Deputy President to aid the fight against destruction of forests, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry has moved to sack officials connected to the recent destruction of forest resources in the country.

In a statement sent to news rooms, Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko on Sunday directed the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to sack the officers deployed at Kibiku, Ololua, Thogoto and Ngong Road Forest stations.

“Due to the massive destruction of forest resources and which has been widely reported in the media and highlighted in various social media platforms, I have today directed the Chairman, Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the Chief Conservator of Forests, to immediately replace all KFS officers currently deployed at the Kibiku, Ololua, Thogoto and Ngong Road forest stations,” read the statement.

He further added that the officers should immediately be replaced and suitable teams assigned.

The CS also directed the suspension of the Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Implementation Scheme (PELIS) pending independent status assessment.

“The officers should be replaced immediately and suitable teams assigned. I have also directed the immediate suspension of the Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Implementation Scheme (PELIS) within the same forest stations (Kibiku, Ololua, Thogoto and Ngong Road) pending an independent status assessment,” said the cabinet secretary.

Mr Tobiko has also directed the KFS to commence the necessary rehabilitation programmes including replanting of indigenous trees from Monday morning, ensuring total protection of the forest block.

The CS also stated that his office would be receiving daily progress reports on the rehabilitation programmes from Sunday, March 11.