Concerned about the moral character and professionalism of Kenya Forest Service (KFS) employees, President William Ruto emphasized the necessity of a thorough investigation to root out corrupt, inept, and complicit employees.
On Wednesday, October 11, the Head of State gave a speech as he oversaw the passing-out procession of 2,664 recently hired Forest Rangers in Gilgil.
"So far, 23 forest managers and rangers have been located, and as of tomorrow, I want them to be employed by someone other than the government. In a speech to the rangers and their families at the National Youth Service in Gilgil Barracks, he called these individuals "saboteurs."
"The tragedy that has been the Kenya forest conversation must come to an end,"
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During the pass-out parade of forest rangers in Gilgil, Nakuru County; challenged the 2,664 graduates to be drivers of our National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Programme and ensure that our ambition to grow 15 billion trees by 2032 is actualised. pic.twitter.com/BZTk0hxKlE
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) October 11, 2023
He also requested that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations bring charges against the corrupt officials.
The President emphasized the commitment of his Kenya Kwanza administration to tackle climate change and protect the environment.
He also expressed trust in the recruits' thorough training and voiced great hopes for their contribution to protecting Kenya's forests.
"Many people have let us down. The issue of climate change is crucial and poses an existential dilemma, which is why I decided to choose the largest ever group of ranger trainees," he stated.
Cabinet Secretary @HonTuya, Governors @susankihika (Nakuru) and Andrew Mwadime (Taita Taveta), MPs led by the host @HonWangari, MCAs and other leaders attended. pic.twitter.com/fzSTVuIXnk
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) October 11, 2023
He also mentioned that there needs to be more forest ranger officers, contributing to the difficulties in protecting forests.
In his words, the recently hired rangers would be essential to protecting Kenya's forests and halting climate change.
"You are expected to be drivers of our National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Programme and lead our organizations, communities and, especially, the youth, in making sure that our ambition to grow 15 billion trees by 2032 is actualised on time," he added.
He also understood the devastation caused by extreme meteorological conditions, such as prolonged droughts and flooding, resulting in famine and the loss of livestock and animals.
He blamed the vulnerabilities of destructive human activities like tree cutting, deforestation, and irresponsible land usage.
The President also revealed intentions to employ young people in carpentry and furniture manufacturing using forest resources to assist economic growth.
He complained about having to import furniture when Kenya could make it.
"In this year's financial budget, we've placed taxes on those who want to import furniture to Kenya when we have people who can make furniture," he remarked.
