Greenpeace Africa criticizes the Kenya Forest Service for underestimating the threats to forests in Kenya while calling for urgent action to stop deforestation. Key forests, including Karura, Aberdare, and Suam are at risk due to infrastructure and development projects. Greenpeace demands accountability and reinforces the need for true conservation efforts rather than empty promises from the government.
Greenpeace Africa has strongly criticized the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) for minimizing the alarming threats to the nation’s forests, claiming that the agency is misleading the public amidst ongoing deforestation and land encroachments. While KFS asserts that the country’s forests are secure, the reality diverges significantly, with extensive areas being cleared for various projects that jeopardize Kenya’s environmental and climate commitments.
Government initiatives seem to contradict its own pledge to enhance forest cover, including the ambitious goal to plant 15 billion trees by 2032. Several key forests currently face significant risks, including:
– Karura Forest: 51.64 acres have been designated for the expansion of Kiambu Road, prompting legal action led by the Green Belt Movement (GBM).
– Aberdare Forest: The proposed 25 km Ndunyu Ihithe Road threatens biodiversity and a crucial water catchment, with GBM as one of the petitioners.
– Suam Forest: 50 acres have been allocated for development of a border town, putting years of reforestation at risk.
– Oloolua Forest: Continuous land-grabbing has escalated into court disputes.
– Ngong Road Forest: This area is facing rapid degradation due to infrastructure projects, private leases, and early permits for development, which have resulted in:
– Lenana Block: Clearance for a railway, a girls’ school, a furniture showroom, and commercial leases.
– Sanctuary Block: A private lodge, a stadium on 50 acres, and unchecked developments posing threats.
– Karen Block: A police post has further diminished forest coverage.
– Bomas Block: Sections of Ngong Forest are being evaluated for a construction site.
Amos Wemanya, the Responsive Campaigns Lead at Greenpeace Africa, denounced KFS’s position as a betrayal of its responsibility. He stated, “It is devastating to see KFS turn a blind eye to the destruction unfolding in Karura, Aberdare, Suam, and beyond. Our forests are being bulldozed for so-called ‘development projects’ that threaten our climate, water, and livelihoods. KFS is failing in its duty to protect Kenya’s natural heritage.”
Greenpeace Africa, supported by thousands of Kenyans and the Green Belt Movement, is advocating for immediate action against deforestation. They contend that government initiatives to increase tree planting hold no value if forest destruction continues unabated. As Mr. Wemanya asserted, “Kenyans deserve real climate action, not empty promises and greenwashing.”
Greenpeace Africa urges KFS and the Kenyan government to emphasize genuine conservation efforts over short-term economic gains, intensify protections for forests, and halt projects that endanger Kenya’s essential ecosystems.
In summary, Greenpeace Africa has emphatically condemned the Kenya Forest Service for its negligence regarding the threats facing Kenya’s forests. Despite government promises, ongoing deforestation and encroachment persist, putting vital ecosystems at risk. The organization, along with public support, calls for accountability and genuine conservation efforts to protect the environment and uphold the country’s climate commitments.
Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke
