KFS cadets, trainee foresters begin training

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) cadets and forester trainees who successfully qualified to join the service have commenced their training.

The latest cohort of over 600 recruits reported Monday to the training college where they are set to undergo a nine-month paramilitary training.

KFS Senior Principal Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests Charity Munyasya was present to oversee the exercise.

In her welcoming remarks, Munyasya told the trainees to maintain a high level of discipline and commitment in their training.

She went on to remind the trainees not to misuse the privilege awarded to them by the President urging them to stay focused throughout their training.

Other senior officers present included Commandant Mohammed Mohammed, Deputy Commandant Wilson Leboo and FOLEA Commanding Officer Apollinary Mwandigha.

KFS advertised for the positions late last year with interested candidates required to submit their applications where they were later shortlisted and interviewed.

The training will equip them with the relevant skills and knowledge to protect, conserve and manage our forests.

The last cohort of 2,664 forest rangers graduated in October last year.

They held their training at Forest Law Enforcement Academy at the National Youth Service paramilitary academy in Gilgil, Nakuru.

Part of the training will include forest law enforcement approaches including the human-rights-based approach to law enforcement, law and policy development and implementation, battle tactics, KFS procedures and criminal justice system procedures among others.

Upon their graduation, they will be expected to play a big role in helping deter forest destruction and to work with forestry players in promoting conservation.

KFS is the lead agency tasked with the implementation of the government's agenda of attaining 30 per cent tree cover by 2032, up from the current 12.13 per cent.

The service protects 6.4 million acres of gazetted forests and another 420 million acres under counties.

The state needs at least Sh600 billion to enhance tree cover in the next 10 years.

Statistics from the state show that the forest cover increased from 5.9 per cent in 2018 to 8.83 per cent in 2021. The national tree cover stands at 12.13 per cent, above the constitutional target of 10 per cent.

Results generated from the National Forest Resources Assessment 2021 show that the country has 5.2 million ha of national forest cover, which represents 8.83 per cent of the total area.