Ministry Present Proposal on Forest Boundary Variation to Address Land Claims and Strengthen conservation

Deborah M. Barasa, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, appeared before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining during a session held in Nairobi.

The Committee, chaired by Vincent Musyoka, received the Ministry’s response on the Government’s renewed efforts to resolve longstanding land issues affecting forest-adjacent communities through a proposal seeking parliamentary approval to vary the boundaries of selected public forests.

Accompanied by Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi, the Cabinet Secretary noted that the initiative aims to balance legitimate historical settlement concerns with the need to safeguard the country’s forest ecosystems. The Principal Secretary emphasized that the process is anchored in law and guided by technical assessments to ensure conservation priorities remain protected.

The proposal seeks to regularize settlements that have existed for decades while safeguarding the remaining forest ecosystems. The areas under consideration include sections of Mount Elgon Forest, Kakamega Forest, South Nandi Forest and Turbo Forest.

The Cabinet Secretary informed the Committee that the Ministry had earlier submitted a petition to the National Assembly seeking determination of several longstanding public forest land claims. Following petitions from affected communities, a technical team was constituted to review the claims based on specific criteria, including previous Cabinet approvals for resettlement, absence of pending court cases, and the extent of settlement in the affected areas.

The recommendations were subsequently forwarded to the Kenya Forest Service Board for approval before being presented to Cabinet, which authorized the Ministry to initiate the formal petition process.

Dr. Barasa further noted that Environmental Impact Assessments were conducted for the areas proposed for boundary variation in accordance with the Forest Conservation and Management Act. The process also included stakeholder consultations and public participation to ensure transparency and compliance with the law.

Committee members were also briefed on the historical background of the affected areas, noting that some settlements date back several decades and already host established communities and public infrastructure. Resolving the status of these areas, the Cabinet Secretary noted, would help curb degradation, illegal activities, and land speculation while strengthening conservation of the remaining forest ecosystems.

Also present at the session were senior Ministry officials led by Forest Development Secretary George Tarus, Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko and Secretary Administration Patrick Meso.