President Uhuru Kenyatta has awarded Julius Kamau, the chief conservator of forests, for helping reclaim forests, moving the country to the dream of 10 per cent forest cover by 2022.
Kamau was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear, given to individuals who have made exemplary contribution to the country.
The awards are confirmed in the current issue of the Kenya Gazette.
Kamau took over at the helm of the Kenya Forest Service on April 26, 2019.
At that time, he said: “My passion to serve in this position is not random, but a calling. I was born for such a time and I want to believe we were all born for such a time; to serve nature and people for our own survival, that of others in the current and future generations.”
In the last three years, KFS has reclaimed 57,000 hectares of forest land that had previously been encroached. These include Masai Mau, Kirisia, Cheptais, Sosio and Embobut forests.
Kamau is also noted for restoring the image of KFS and spearheading national tree campaigns and public awareness on the importance of trees and forests.
Two weeks ago, during the State of the Nation Address, President Uhuru confirmed Kenya would finally attain 10 per cent tree cover by 2022.
The President said he had noted with satisfaction that the Greening Kenya Campaign continues to gain momentum.
“It is the solemn duty of present generations to consciously conserve the natural beauty, ecological splendour and pristine environment and to pass it on to future generations in as good a state,” he said.
The presidential awards and honors are usually given on the advice of the National Honours and Awards Committee in the Office of the President.
According to the National Honours Act, those who merit the decoration include a person who exhibits exemplary qualities, or achievements of heroism, patriotism or leadership, one who has made an exemplary contribution to the country in the economic, scientific, academic, sports, journalism, business, security or other fields.
Others to be considered are a State officer or public officer who has made an exemplary contribution to the betterment of the national or county governments, the executive, the judiciary, the legislature and a person who has otherwise brought honour, glory or pride to the nation.
