Copyright 2001 The Nation (Nairobi)
October 16, 2001

An assistant minister has told the government to be cautious in the allocation of the controversial Kapsaret Forest in Uasin Gishu.

Mr Jesse Maizs said local people would resist the allocation of forest land to "outsiders" and influential personalities.

Speaking during a harambee in aid of Inder AIC Church in his Eldoret South constituency on Sunday, the Labour assistant minister said the residents were angered by reports that the provincial administration has given land to politicians.

Kapsaret is one of the forests from which 167, 000 acres were to be hived off by the Environment minister.

Environmentalists are opposed to the excision but their case was dismissed in an Eldoret court two weeks ago. The government can now go ahead with the allocations.

Mr Maizs said the 3,000 acres to be hived off from the forest should be allocated to squatters, the landless and other needy people. He told "outsiders" and land speculators to keep off.

He said a committee of elders should be formed to come up with methods through which the land would be allocated.

On the Constitution, Mr Maizs urged residents to present their views to the review commission when it visits the district.

The harambee raised Sh300,000. Mr Maisz gave Sh20,000. Error: Unable to read footer file.