The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has dismissed claims of encroachment and land excision at Karura Forest headquarters, stating that ongoing works within the forest are confined to administrative zones and do not affect protected areas.
In a statement issued following concerns raised online, KFS said the developments involve the construction of barracks for National Youth Service (NYS) personnel who will support the Service in raising tree seedlings.
“Currently, there is development of barracks for National Youth Service (NYS) personnel who will be partnering with the Service to support the raising of tree seedlings,” the statement said.
The agency said the works are taking place within the Forest Rangers’ living quarters at the KFS headquarters in Karura and not within the indigenous forest or conservation areas.
“There has been no excision of Karura forest land, nor allocation to private developers or encroachment into protected indigenous forest or core conservation areas as alleged by a section of the civil society,” KFS said.
The Service further stated that no trees have been felled during the ongoing works, adding that only old tree stumps have been removed.
KFS stated that the barracks, which consist of prefabricated metal containers, are being set up in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and are confined to an existing administrative and residential service zone.
KFS also said similar barracks are being established at other forest stations across the country, with construction nearing completion.
“Setting up of barracks for NYS is happening not only in Karura forest, but in other forest stations around the country, including Ngong Hills forest, where the barracks are nearing completion,” KFS stated.
According to the agency, the partnership with NYS aims to boost tree seedling production in line with the government’s target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032 to achieve 30 per cent national tree cover.
It acknowledged that an inadequate supply of quality seedlings has, in the past, hampered afforestation efforts.
In addition to the barracks, KFS said it is expanding existing tree nurseries at Karura and in forest stations nationwide.
The expansion includes the construction of model nurseries to enhance production of indigenous and exotic species, improve irrigation systems, strengthen storage facilities and increase seedling survival rates.
The Service said all works are being undertaken in compliance with the Forest Conservation and Management Act and Article 69 of the Constitution of Kenya, which mandates sustainable forest management, conservation and restoration.
“KFS reiterates that Karura remains a protected public forest land and it is not under any threat,” the statement said, urging the public to disregard claims suggesting otherwise.
