Chief Conservator Of Forest Alex Lemarkoko together with Dr John Ngeno opens an office and rangers office constructed by Kutung residents - [Nikko Tanui-Standard]
Residents of Kutung in Kipkelion West Constituency have united to fight illegal logging, charcoal burning and other activities threatening Tendeno Forest, in a community-led effort to protect the vital natural resource.
Alarmed by the destruction of the forest, the residents have teamed up with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to strengthen surveillance and ensure the forest is protected from activities that threaten its survival.
The community, led by Dr John Ngeno, has constructed an office and houses for KFS rangers deployed to guard the forest.
The facilities were handed over to KFS during a ceremony attended by Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko, who commended the residents for taking an active role in forest conservation.
Dr Ngeno said the community had decided to take responsibility for protecting the forest after realising that its destruction would have far-reaching consequences for residents.
“We have realised that protecting Tendeno Forest cannot be left to forest officers alone. As a community living next to this forest, we have a responsibility to support the rangers and ensure that it is protected,” he said.
Mr Lemarkoko said the Forest Conservation and Management Act provides for community participation in forest conservation and management, allowing residents to play a direct role in safeguarding forests.