Farmers on the Kerio escarpment have been warned against burning vegetation on their farms as they prepare for the coming planting season to prevent outbreak of fires.
The Elgeyo Marakwet CEC in charge of Lands and Environment Jason Lagat said fires had been reported in Arror and Soy North wards which has affected vegetation along the escarpment.
He said the situation had been made worse by the windy and dry conditions currently being witnessed leading to spread of the fires.
The CEC who was addressing the press in Iten town added that the fact that the escarpment is hilly makes it quite difficult to put out the fires when need arises.
He cautioned farmers against the practice saying they were endangering the lives of those living in the Kerio Valley as the clearance of vegetation leaves the escarpment bare increasing the risk of landslides once it rains.
Lagat regretted that while the county was working towards increasing tree cover, those burning were negating those efforts.
The CEC said his department was working with other state agencies citing Kenya Forest Service, NEMA and others to sensitize farmers against the practice which has taken root.
By Alice Wanjiru and Joan Jelimo
