Nandi County raises alarm over forest destruction

The County Government of Nandi has raised alarm over the fast depleting Nandi North Forest. About 25 percent of the forest cover has been destroyed through human activity under the guise of Shamba systems.

There has been rampant cultivation and charcoal burning in the forest, activities that may soon wipe out the water tower adversely affecting thousands of people who depend on it.

Nandi County Executive Committee Member for Environment and Water Dr. John Chumo blamed the Kenya Forest Service officers for taking bribes to allow residents encroach the forest.

It is alleged that the forest rangers are hiring out the forest land at cost of Ksh 2,500 per acre.

The Nandi North Forest supports many livelihoods in the surrounding communities through provision of water, food, wood fuel, honey, and fodder for livestock and building material.

Its fate now hangs in the balance with fears that it could be wiped out in a couple of years following serious destruction by human activities.

The County government is, however, calling on the Director Kenya Forest Services to clean up the Nandi County Forest management system so as to save the forest.