Communities want sensitisation on grazing in public forests

People living near forests have asked the government to sensitise them on the guidelines for grazing in public forests.

The say they do not want to interfere with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the government’s efforts of restoring forests whose trees were cut down many years ago without being replaced.

The communities in Kiambu county who benefit from the forests have asked the Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko to initiate sensitisation forums.

“The CCF is supposed to ask the forest station managers, county forest conservators and their staff to teach people about the Grazing in Public Forest guidelines so that we do not interfere with their work. We want to be law abiding people,” said Peter Wachira, from Githirioni in Lari subcounty.

Wachira who revealed that he rears 23 sheep and three cattle at Uplands forests, added that he cannot allow himself to be among those who break the law knowingly.

The community members were reacting on Tuesday after going through a statement released on Monday by KFS on guidelines on grazing in forests.

The KFS said Grazing in Public Forests law was enacted in 2005, but the laws were poorly implemented, adding that it wishes to enforce them in a bid to protect the trees, forest vegetation and instill discipline to grazers.

KFS also said it aims to enhance enforcement efforts to curb illegal grazing activities, prioritising biodiversity conservation and community involvement in forest management.

The communities benefit from the forests under the Community Forest Association with services such as grass harvesting, grazing, plantation establishment and livelihood schemes (pelis) which replaced shamba system and tourism.

With the Grazing in Public Forests Act, those grazing will have to acquire a grazing permit and those who will not comply will be liable for penalties.

In a statement that was released on Monday by KFS, each forest station shall maintain a grazing register indicating locality, name of grazer, national identity card number and number of animals by type, receipt number and date of payment.

The law will guide forest station managers to guide the grazers on the areas to graze on so as to protect the vegetation and trees planted.

Uplands CFA official John Mwathi said the law will help them to assist the KFS to check and protect forests.

“Whenever there is no law, the people who have pride take advantage of undermining people like us the CFA. Now, the law will assist us to ensure there is discipline within the CFA’s and the grazers,” he said.

However, Mwathi said a meeting for all people who graze including those who wish to graze in the forests should be arranged so that they may be told more about the law.

“We want to support the government, the CFA and the KFS in conservation of forests and the environment at large. We want to ensure President William Ruto’s directive of having planted 15 billion trees has been achieved by 2023,” Mwathi said.