Kajiado Boss Joseph Ole Lenku ordered a crackdown on charcoal dealers, saying their activity contributes to desertification and environmental degradation.
Governor Ole Lenku has noted that charcoal burning and illegal logging, despite a ban, were still rampant in the County.
Shortly after chairing a joint meeting of the County and National government officials, he announced a joint operation between both governments to ensure charcoal transporters and dealers are arrested and end the illegal business.
"A crackdown on charcoal trade which is rampant in Kajiado county will be conducted immediately to ensure that the illegal activity is put to a stop," the Governor said.
Further, he stated that to ensure transporters who use motorcycles to ferry charcoal to Isinya, Kajiado, Athi-River and Kiserian are arrested, roadblocks will be erected along the Nairobi-Namanga highway.
The Governor pointed out that riparian area encroachment, sand harvesting, and deforestation were all factors in climate change, which severely harmed pastoralists' ability to support themselves.
He said the county administration would start planting a target of one million trees following the anticipated brief rains in March, ordering residents residing in riparian regions to leave immediately.
Additionally, the Governor stated his commitment to planting one million trees as the short rains commence in March.
He also ordered all residents in riparian land to vacate immediately.
In Kajiado County, the amount of charcoal burned has increased due to its need for home usage. Charcoal currently sells Kes3000 for each bag, making the industry profitable.
Every year, public conservancies in places like Maili Tisa, Mashuuru, Il Bissil, and Namanga lose thousands of indigenous trees, severely degrading the environment.
