Kenya Forest Service

KFS Stand Wins Awards At The South Eastern ASK Show In Machakos

The just concluded South Eastern ASK Show that was held in Machakos Town from 30 June to 3 July 2010 saw KFS stand scoop the first position in the best Large Trade Stand category and third position in the best Agro Based Statutory Board Category. This success was attributed to the professional displays that clearly portrayed the activities undertaken by KFS as detailed in the ASK Show theme "Driving Agri Business in attaining food sufficiency and Vision 2030".The South Eastern ASK Show represented the larger Eastern Province region namely Makueni, Kitui, Machakos and Mwingi Districts.

KFS Machakos staff proudly display the awards won during the ASK South Eastern Show held in Machakos Town from 30th June to 3rd July 2010

On Friday 2 July 2010, the KFS stand was visited by Kenya' Vice President Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka, MP, who got to observe the various tree species available for the Arid and Semi Arid Lands (ASAL). He spoke to the staff and encouraged them to keep up the good work of conserving forests. During the three day event, hundreds of show goers visited the KFS stand, where they got to interact with the exhibitors and ask questions regarding various tree species and other matters affecting their tree crops. Many visitors were keen to learn about the Eucalyptus tree species, which had raised considerable controversy in the recent past due to its consumption of large quantities of water. Students, who formed the largest group of show goers, were particularly interested in the KFS video documentaries which were playing at the stand.

The Vice President, Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka, MP accompanied by the ASK National Chairlady Mrs. Alice Kalya listens to a presentation by the KFS Assistant Zonal Manager Machakos, Mr. Charles Ochieng during a visit to the KFS Stand during the South Eastern ASK show.

The stand consisted of a display of water catchment techniques used in ASAL regions such as those in the South Eastern region, namely the W water catchment and the circular water catchment system. There was a display of plantation forestry, agro forestry and ecotourism. Entrepreneurs who benefit from forest products were also invited to exhibit wood carvings, herbal medicine and furniture. The ASK show provides a platform for KFS to meet and exchange information to various publics, and provide advice on forestry issues.

Former Forester Donates Books To Kenya Forestry College- Londiani

Ms. Risper Nyagoy Nyong'o a former lecturer Moi University and forestry professional has donated forestry books to the Kenya Forestry College in Londiani. Nyong'o who is no longer practicing forestry wants the resource consisting of text books on forestry genetics & physiology, forest management, forestry journals and other reference materials to be housed at the College's Library for the benefit of future foresters.

Receiveing the materials on behalf of Kenya Forest Service and the College, the Principal Professor Donald Ongweno Principal thanked her for the generous and selfless gesture that will ensure the students in the college have access to quality materials.

During a brief ceremony at her home in Nyari Estate Nairobi, Ms. Nyagoy Nyong'o said,"I am donating the books because I know they will be useful to the students". Thanking the Nairobi University forestry graduate, Prof. Ogweno appealed to other long-serving or retired forester who may have private collection of forestry books to emulate Ms. Nyong'o's gesture and make donations to learning institutions.

A symbolical wooden plaque inscribed "I am a friend of Kenya Forest Service" was presented to Ms. Nyong'o in appreciation

Ms. Nyong'o receiving a symbolical wooden plaque from Kenya Forestry College Principal,Prof Donald Ongweno

KFS To Embark On Kshs. 250m Development Projects

The Kenya Forest Service has embarked on construction of various buildings valued at a total of Ksh. 250 million through the Natural Resource Management Project (NRMP) funded by the World Bank. This includes construction of an Information Centre at the KFS Headquarters in Karura, construction of a new hospitality centre and rehabilitation of existing buildings at Kenya Forestry College in Londiani and construction of an ultra modern office block for the Department of Forestry and Wood Science at Chepkoilel Campus of Moi University.

Mr. John Njunge (right) of Apex Projects is all smiles after signing a contract with the KFS Director Mr. D.K. Mbugua (left) for construction of a new hospitality Centre and rehabilitation of existing buildings at Kenya Forestry College, Londiani.

The Director KFS (left), Eng. Peter Macharia (middle) and Munyua Githinji of Monaco Engineering Limited are all smiles after the latter were awarded a contract to construct an ultra modern office block for the Department of Forestry and Wood Science at Chepkoilel Campus of Moi University Eldoret.

The Director KFS Mr. D.K. Mbugua (right) shakes hands with Col. (Rtd) John Gatobu of Columbia Developers (K) Ltd during the signing of a contract for construction of an information centre at KFS Headquarters in Karura.

These developments will aid in achieving NRMP objectives of enhancing the institutional capacity of KFS to manage forestry resources and promote significant social and environmental impacts. During signing of contracts with the respective companies tasked to undertake the various developments, the KFS Director D.K. Mbugua, noted that the construction would have a lasting impact on KFS and the benefits accrued from these investments would be long term. All the three developments are expected to be complete by June 2011.

President's Award Scheme Plants In Ngong Hill

The Executive Director of Presidents Award-Kenya, Mr. Edwin Otieno plants a tree at the Ngong Hills Forest. Youth from various schools took part in planting over 1500 trees during a five days camping visit.

The President's Award Team-Kenya is an initiative that brings together youth from different parts of the country to engage in activities that sustain the environment and benefit society, with the aim of developing responsible citizens among youth. During the third week of June 2010, about 180 youth from various schools took part in planting over 1500 trees in Ngong forest. The students spent several days camping at the grounds during which time they learnt about various tree species, they took part in planting and building shelters to protect the seedlings.

The students were from Maryhill Girls School, Tumutumu Girls School, Kanunga Boys school, St. Anne's Lioki school, St. Paul's University, Kiambu High School, Moi Isinya Girls School and Mathari Child Development Centre. Members of the National Youth Service (NYS) also took part. During the closing ceremony on Sunday 27 June 2010, the Chief Guest Prof. Solomon Shibairo, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nairobi (UON), observed that the UON has been managing 500 hectares of land at the site for the last two decades, and raising approximately 30,000 seedlings annually for planting and distributing to the local communities.

The Ngong Hills has other organizations actively participating in tree planting efforts including Kenya Airways, KCB, and various Government Ministries among other partners.

American Women Association (AWA) Spearheads Tree Planting In Kayole

The Ngong river riparian zone in Kayole, Embakasi District is characterized by heavy pollution, a place not many would wish to venture. Therefore it was a bold choice for the American Women Association (AWA) who agreed to rehabilitate this site and plant trees on Saturday 26 June 2010. Clearing of the site from waste plastics was a tedious task which took a week to accomplish and it was undertaken by the Kwariba Youth Group through the Embakasi Green Life Initiative. The spot, which was a former garbage dump, was recommended as part of the Nairobi river cleanup activities.

The Deputy Chief of Mission U.S. Embassy, Mr. Lee Brudvig plants a tree in Kayole Ngong River riparian. 1000 trees were planted during this exercise recommended as part of the Nairobi River cleanup.

Max Canelas (left)joins other participants in planting trees in Kayole, during an event organized by the American Women Association.Participants (right)take part in rehabilitating a former dumping site in Kayole by planting trees on a two hectare piece of land adjacent to the Ngong River riparian.

The Chief Guest at the ceremony was the Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy, Lee Brudvig, and he emphasized the importance of rehabilitating the site to provide a green park for the surrounding community. He called upon the youth to initiate more tree planting activities, to ensure an increase in Kenya’s forest cover. The Forester Kayole, Ms Salome Angaine, informed participants that the site would require three years of maintenance to ensure adequate root growth for the seedlings.

1000 indigenous seedlings were planted on two hectares of land by various participants from the US Embassy, Kenya State Alumni, local school and self help groups, I&M Bank staff and members of AWA.

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