Marakwet West Sub County residents with forested lands have been encouraged to register their properties with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to benefit from conservation incentives.
According to Laban Gitiba, the Cheptongei Forest Station Manager, this registration can help land owners access financial support from environmental organizations and companies investing in carbon credit initiatives.
“Many residents in Marakwet West stand to gain from this opportunity,” said Gitiba. “By registering with KFS, they can attract monetary support that recognizes their role in conserving our forests and maintaining our environment.”
Gitiba commended past generations for their commitment to protecting Marakwet’s rich environmental resources, saying, “Our elders have been incredible stewards of our forests, but we face a new challenge from those who exploit our resources for short-term gains.”
However, Gitiba issued a stern warning to those working with outsiders to exploit forest resources. “We are aware of unscrupulous individuals who are colluding with businessmen from outside the sub-county to poach cedar and podo trees, and even engage in illegal charcoal burning in government-protected forests,” he said.
The call to action came during a sensitization meeting on managing Community Forest Associations (CFAs) at Kimnai Sub-location, where Gitiba announced new steps to curb illegal activities. “We will be setting up forest ranger camps at strategic locations to assist law enforcement. These camps will help seal off routes used to smuggle timber,” he explained.
Many attendees raised concerns about outsiders enticing local youth with cash to participate in illegal timber harvesting and sawing cedar posts. Addressing these concerns, Gitiba encouraged community members to work together to eradicate the vice by supporting alternative livelihoods for the youth.
“We must give our young people options beyond timber poaching,” he urged. “By planting exotic tree species that grow faster and are economically viable, we can create a sustainable source of income that does not harm our natural heritage.”
Gitiba also announced that elections would soon be held at the sub-county level to select new leaders for the Community Forest Associations, culminating in the formation of an umbrella CFA under the Cheptongei Forest Station. “This umbrella body will strengthen our conservation efforts and ensure that every community voice is heard in the fight to protect our forests,” he concluded.
By Rennish Okong’o
