The Cabinet Secretary for Environment has called for the revocation of all title documents for areas within gazetted forests on claims they were acquired illegally.
CS Soipan Tuya addressed people at Ololua Forest, part of the Ngong' Hills Forest Station, in response to the local Community Forest Association's (CFA) concerns over encroachment and irregular land allocations within gazetted forests.
Renominated authorities attended the occasion, including Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, Principal Secretary for Forestry, and Hon. Peter Mositet, former Kajiado Senator.
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CS Tuya claimed that the revocation addresses disparities in which parcels of land were wrongfully issued titles while under the government's lawful control.
CS Tuya stated, "The issuance of title deeds for lands within gazetted forests is contrary to existing regulations and undermines efforts toward sustainable forest management."
"It is imperative that we uphold the integrity of our forests, which are vital for environmental conservation and ecosystem services."
Tuya asked Alex Lemarkoko, Chief Conservator of Forests, to collaborate with the Ministry of Lands to ensure that the impacted title deeds are revoked promptly and legitimately.
According to Tuya, public groups that own land in gazetted forests will be issued Special User Licences as required by law.
These permits enable such entities to utilize the property for defined purposes while following environmental standards and sustainable land management practices.
The most recent development comes amid mounting worries over unauthorized expansion in Kenya's forests, as indicated by the erection of unlawful boundary walls within Ololua Forest.
