The CECM for Water, Irrigation, Environment, Sanitation, and Climate Change, Hon. Onesmus Kuyu, represented H.E. Governor Wavinya Ndeti at the Forest Industry Investors (FIIs) Engagement Forum held at Machakos University. The forum convened key stakeholders to deliberate on the harvesting and salvage operations of forest plantation materials within the Lower Eastern Forest Ecosystems.
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) is set to undertake controlled harvesting activities in Muumandu Forest in Kalama Sub-County and Iveti Forest in Kathiani Sub-County, strictly adhering to legal and environmental frameworks.
Delivering the Governor’s speech, Hon. Kuyu emphasized public participation in forest governance, anchored in the Kenya Forest Conservation and Management Act and the Constitution of Kenya. He highlighted the critical role forests play in climate regulation, water conservation, biodiversity protection, and community livelihoods, stressing the need for a balanced approach that integrates conservation with sustainable utilization.
The address outlined three guiding principles for plantation harvesting: sustainability, transparency and accountability, and community benefit. The County Government reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with KFS and stakeholders to ensure forest management enhances climate resilience, job creation, sustainable timber supply, and environmental protection, recognizing that conservation and economic growth go hand in hand.
Stakeholders in attendance included representatives from NEMA, NGAO, Members of Parliament for Kalama and Kathiani, NACOFA, the Judiciary, WRA, and community representatives, underscoring a collective commitment to sustainable forest management and responsible investment in natural resources.
