Kenya Forest Service denies land grabbing claims in Menengai forest

Kenya Forest Service/HANDOUT

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has issued a formal clarification in response to reports circulating on social media alleging land grabbing within the Menengai Crater area, part of the Menengai Forest Station in Nakuru county.

In a statement released Friday, KFS firmly denied the allegations, stating that no part of the gazetted Menengai Forest has been illegally acquired.  

"No part of the gazetted Menengai Forest has been grabbed. The forest boundaries are well demarcated and remain intact, as verified by KFS surveyors,” the agency said.

"The area being referenced in the reports lies outside the gazetted forest boundary."

KFS clarified that the area referenced in the online claims lies outside the officially gazetted forest boundary. 

The agency attributed the confusion to misinformation and emphasised the importance of verifying facts before spreading unsubstantiated claims.

The Service also provided details on the ongoing Menengai Forest Fencing Project, which it described as a legitimate conservation initiative. 

The project, funded by the African Development Bank through the GreenZones Development Support Project Phase II, involves the installation of approximately 55 kilometers of fencing around 6,014 hectares of forest land.  

"The Menengai Forest Fencing Project is a legitimate conservation initiative funded by the African Development Bank," KFS stated. 

"All requisite procedures, including public participation and stakeholder consultations, were duly conducted."

The agency underscored the ecological and social significance of Menengai Forest, noting its role in water catchment, biodiversity conservation, eco-tourism and supporting local livelihoods.  

“Menengai Forest plays a vital environmental, economic, and social role by supporting water catchment, biodiversity, eco-tourism, and local livelihoods,”the statement read.

"The fencing initiative strengthens forest protection, deters encroachment, and enhances safety for visitors and surrounding communities."

KFS reiterated its commitment to forest protection and compliance with national legislation.  

"KFS categorically refutes all allegations of land grabbing and reiterates its unwavering commitment to conserving and protecting Kenya’s public forests in line with the Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016,” the agency affirmed.

The Service urged members of the public to remain alert and proactive in safeguarding forest resources.  

“We urge the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities in or near forest areas to the nearest KFS office,” KFS added.