Copyright 2001 The Nation (Nairobi)
September 17, 2001

A gamble to halt the destruction of the invaluable Mt Kenya National Reserve is making positive gains. Just over a year ago the Kenya Government transferred the management of the 2,124 square-kilometre chunk from the Forest Department to the Kenya Wildlife Service by way of Legal Notice No. 93 of the Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 48.

Forests are under threat from two enemies. One is in the form of excisions for which the current and previous governments share much of the blame. The other is physical destruction for tree logging, charcoal production, bhang growing, livestock grazing and various forms of cultivation. Sometimes the two are interlinked. In other cases there is clear evidence of collusion by officers in the Forestry Department and the Provincial Administration with private individuals in the destruction of the forests.

It is estimated that illegal use of the forest has been reduced by 75 to 80 per cent in the past year. One barometer is the estimated Sh4.7 million worth of camphor, cedar and Meru Oak timber seized and the 600 arrests which have taken place.

What is clear this time around is that this was not just another hollow government pronouncement. It was followed by action from KWS, which is increasingly gaining public confidence and respect. There is much more certainty than in the past that you have a high chance of being caught if you involve yourself in illegal felling and that you will land in court and even in jail.

One of the main reservations concerning this course of action was the potential acrimony and conflict that could arise from the fact that KWS was taking over the Forestry Department territory, especially in the policing function. Another was whether this move was truly within the mandate of KWS or indeed whether KWS had the resources for such a demanding task. Obviously, there have been some thorny issues, such as the Forest Department's contention that it should continue to manage the plantation forests, and some tense moments when government officials have tried to undermine the operation.

But the programme has gone on more smoothly than anticipated because of the quiet, tactful style by KWS of including and liaising with other stakeholders, especially the Forest Department. A good example is the Mount Kenya Ecosystem Management Plan which is being worked on at present. The KWS may have given the prime impetus but the Forest Department, local communities, NGOs, the Provincial Administration and the private sector are all involved. The aim is to formulate and implement a comprehensive management plan involving all key areas and activities such as conserving the biodiversity, tree planting and eco-tourism.

The experience of the past year raises both reservations as well as hopes. It is dependent on political goodwill not just for its continuation and strengthening but also for sorting grey areas between KWS and the Forest Department. However, the mandate does not prevent the threat of excisions by Government.

The hopes lie largely in the fact that not only has destruction been largely halted but that the various stakeholders are working together. What is taking place could well provide blueprints and lessons for how to conserve and sustainably use our other forests, reserves and sanctuaries. Error: Unable to read footer file.