The Forest Conservation and Management Act places communities living adjacent to forests at the center of forest management through participatory forest management, recognizing them as key partners in the conservation, protection and sustainable management of forest resources. Their participation is therefore critical in strengthening forest protection, restoration and local ownership of forest resources.
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) regards community participation not only as a legal obligation, but also as a practical approach to effective forest management. Working with forest-adjacent communities builds trust, strengthens local ownership and promotes shared responsibility for protecting forests, growing trees and restoring degraded landscapes.
In line with this provision, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Mr. Alex Lemarkoko today held a stakeholder engagement meeting with the Lembus community at the Esageri Police Station Public Baraza grounds, where he called for stronger collaboration between KFS and residents in forest conservation, protection and restoration.
The engagement brought together Area Member of Parliament Hon. Musa Sirma, DCCF’s Dr. Thomas Kiptoo and Anne Nyaoke, members of the Lembus community, Mau Forest Conservancy leadership led by Regional Commandant Mr. David Mutoro, and other KFS officers.
The forum provided an opportunity for the community to share views on forest management and strengthen dialogue with KFS, while also mobilising residents to participate in preparations for the upcoming Mazingira Day celebrations.
“Forest conservation cannot be achieved by KFS alone. Communities living adjacent to forests are our partners and our social fence. We must work together to protect our forests, grow more trees and ensure that the trees we plant survive,” said the CCF.
Mr. Lemarkoko urged residents to move beyond ceremonial tree planting to sustained tree growing, emphasising the need to nurture planted seedlings and support restoration of degraded landscapes. He also called on residents to prepare for the expected El Niño rains and help protect forest catchments and other critical ecosystems.
Hon. Musa Sirma called on the Lembus community to take greater ownership of forest conservation and work closely with KFS to safeguard forest resources for present and future generations.
“Our forests are our heritage and our future. As a community, we must work with KFS to protect them and ensure that future generations inherit healthier forests,” said Hon. Sirma.
Lembus Council of Elders Chairman Mzee Joseph Leboo welcomed the engagement, noting the community’s longstanding relationship with the forest and its important role in its protection.
“Protecting the forest is protecting our own future. We must ensure that our people, especially the young generation, understand the importance of trees, water and the environment,” said Mzee Leboo.
The engagement reaffirmed KFS’s commitment to participatory forest management and meaningful collaboration with forest-adjacent communities in forest protection, tree growing, landscape restoration and sustainable forest management.
