Alarm raised over wanton destruction of Kamatira Forest

Kamatira Forest in West Pokot County is facing wanton destruction due to illegal logging, deliberate wildfires and theft of mature trees for timber, posts and firewood purposes, among others.

This has led to adverse consequences to the detriment of locals projected by drying up of rivers downstream and low rainfall, resource-based conflicts over pasture and water, food insecurity and desertification.

Three weeks ago, four hectares of trees were burnt in the forest, which is over one thousand hectares, and in sections of Mosop Forest in Lelan.

The colonial forest protection camp at Kaa-Ranger has been destroyed due to development of Kamatira-Cheptongei tarmac road. Even worse, efforts to set up a new camp for officers to protect the forest and a watchtower that was established in the forest as part of protection efforts have depleted due to non-maintenance and poor construction.

“Thirty-five per cent of the forest has been depleted.” said Leah Chebitwey from the Climate Change Champions lobby.

Ms Chebitwey recommended strategies for establishment and capacity building of Kamatira Community Forest Associations and rigorous civic education for communities living around the forest.

“There is a need to ascertain the percentage of damage to the forest occasioned by illegal felling of trees and fires so that strategies can be put in place for implementation of 100 per cent forest cover within a five-year period,” she said.

She further recommended the establishment of forest ranger camps and standard watchtowers in strategic areas of the forest for vigilance and conservation efforts.

“We are having a lot of problems due to the cutting of trees. We need to protect our forests so we can get rainfall,” she said.

Noting that the severe desertification and human suffering in Kamatira and Cherangany forests demand urgent interventions, Ms Chebitwey also cautioned those engaging in timber business.

“This has to come to an end after a petition is passed in the county assembly.”

Patricia Rotich, a member of Climate Change Champions, called on residents to stop cutting trees, to protect existing trees and sustain planted trees. “If we cut trees, we will lose forests, rain and food,” she said, adding that every tree lost worsens drought and poverty.

Hellen Chepkorir, a resident, said mothers and daughters now walk long distances searching for water because rivers dried up after trees were cut.

“If you cut one tree, plant two.”

She added that they are creating awareness to discourage forest encroachment and illegal logging while promoting forest conservation, helping people understand why forests matter and the consequences of deforestation.

 “We want to contribute to 10 per cent forest cover by telling our people not to encroach forests,” she said.

She also called on locals to be at the forefront in environmental conservation to mitigate the effects of global warming. 

“We urge residents to participate in tree planting programmes to combat the adverse effects of climate change such as landslides and floods.”

 West Pokot County Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Chief Officer Leonard Kamsait, said:

“We want everyone to plant 30 trees so we can achieve the 15 billion nationwide trees goal,” he said.

West Pokot County Kenya Forest Service conservator Benjamin Koree said investigations into the cause of the recent wildfires are ongoing.

Mr Koree warned locals against engaging in charcoal burning, honey harvesting and grazing of livestock in forest lighting fires.

 “Let’s protect public and private forests. Herders grazing in forests should not light fire. We will apprehend those who are causing fires. Kamatira, Mosop and Kalapata forests have been set ablaze and we are currently sensitising the public about fire safety. We will restrict movement within the forest because vegetation in the forest is dry," he said.

 “We urge the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any signs of fire to the nearest forest station," he said.

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