CS Tuya Kicks Off Nationwide Operation On All Kenyan Forests
Tuya revealed that the operation will seek to end forest crimes that include encroachment as well as illegal logging.
Marvin Chege 
Environment Cabinet Secretary, Soipan Tuya has announced that her Ministry has embarked on a nationwide operation on all forests in Kenya.
In a statement on Thursday, October 19, Tuya revealed that the operation will seek to end forest crimes that include encroachment as well as illegal logging.
The operation began in Mau Forest and involves a multi-agency security team tasked with reclaiming sections of the forest complex from encroachment and illegal logging activities.
Aerial view of the vast Mau Forest. /NEW AFRICAN MAGAZINE
However, Tuya reiterated the need for the multi-agency security teams, headed by the Rift Valley Regional Commissioner, to carry out the operation humanely and to avoid actions that may lead to loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of genuine forest adjacent communities.
"Meanwhile, plans are underway to delineate forest boundaries and work with state and non-state partners to fence off the forest so as to deter future violations.
"Besides the Mau Forest Complex, the multi-agency security operation to end forest crimes that include encroachment, illegal logging and charcoal burning will be extended to all forest ecosystems across the country," read the statement in part.
CS Tuya further reiterated her call to Kenyans across the country to continue supporting the Government's broad Climate Action agenda
This can be done by reporting suspected forest crimes through the Ministry's toll-free number, 0800724570.
On October 1, President William Ruto ordered the immediate evacuation of squatters who encroached on Mau Forest, as he opened up on plans to fence the water tower considered important in the country.
“Those already in the forest (Mau) should get out immediately because we are putting up a fence. And it is not a request,” the President ordered.
On Wednesday, October 11, Ruto ordered the immediate firing of 23 Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officials over corruption allegations.
Speaking during the pass-out of KFS rangers recruits in Gilgil, Nakuru County, President Ruto accused the 23 officers of engaging in corrupt acts leading to the destruction of forests across the country, thus ordering their removal from the government payroll.
"Through collaboration with the Ministry involved and KFS, it was found that 23 KFS employees were lagging behind in their work, others involved in corruption and others aiding in the destruction of forests in Kenya," Ruto disclosed.
"I have instructed KFS that all those who have been found engaging in corruption or destroying our forests should be fired and taken to court."
President Ruto further declared that CS Tuya should carry out reforms in the agency to ensure that those sabotaging environmental conservation and climate change efforts in the country are dealt with.
"From tomorrow, I don't want them in government payroll. These are people who are saboteurs and who are encouraging the destruction of the environment," he said.
