The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) presided over the handover of a 32-kilometre electric fence constructed through the Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust under the ISLA Project at the South West Mau Forest Block.
The 11-strand fence, comprising seven live wires and four earth wires, has eight outposts and will strengthen forest protection and boundary management.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr. Alex Lemarkoko, Mau Regional Forest Conservator Mr. Dennis Kerengo commended the ISLA Project and partners for pooling resources towards the completion of the conservation infrastructure.
“Communities should embrace sustainable livelihoods by diversifying their sources of income, including maintaining manageable livestock numbers to reduce pressure towards the forest, while working with KFS to grow seedlings and plant trees in support of the Government’s 15 billion trees target by 2032.” Mr. Dennis Kerengo stated.
The RFC also encouraged communities along the forest cutline to join farmer cooperative societies eg. Chemare and Mau to strengthen their bargaining power and access Government-supported programmes.Additionally, he mentioned that members of the society should work closely and join Community Forest Association (CFA) so as to enjoy forest accessibility.
Through ISLA, communities have benefited from initiatives including spring restoration, while 1,500 hectares of forest land have been successfully restored.
The ceremony concluded with the signing of handover certificates and a tree-growing exercise, reaffirming the commitment of KFS, partners and communities to sustainable conservation and restoration of the Mau ecosystem.
Accompanying the RFC were CFC Kericho, Mr. James Kwambai and CFC Bomet.
