The National Assembly Committee on Environment, Forest and Mining has held a public participation forum to gather views from the residents of Makueni County on conservation and management of forests in the country.
Led by Chairperson Vincent Kawaya, the parliamentary committee collected views from members of the public at Wote Green Park in Wote Sub-County on Wednesday.
The forum brought together local leaders, community forest associations and residents, who gave their views on the proposed measures to protect and sustainably manage Kenyan forests.
During the exercise, members expressed their concern over rampart illegal logging in the region, citing unbated encroachment of government forests, while calling upon the relevant authorities to mitigate the challenges.
They also called for proper balance by involving residents in forest conservation efforts to ensure long-term sustainability, while aligning ecological protection with local livelihoods.
Members of the public also called for strong community involvement in forest management by offering incentives for reforestation, while at the same time administering stiffer penalties for the offenders.
On his part, Kawaya, who is also the Mwala MP, said forests are the country’s water towers and the backbone of our ecosystem, hence the need for the public to ensure conservation laws work for both the environment and the communities who depend on it.
The chairman cautioned Kenyans against living on riparian lands, saying this menace was solely responsible for the massive pollution being witnessed across rivers countrywide.
“We are keen to hear directly from citizens before finalizing our recommendations. Your views will be incorporated to make laws that work for the environment and the communities that depend on it,” said Kawaya while addressing the media.
“People living on riparian lands should move out. They are responsible for the pollution being witnessed in our rivers,” added the MP.
The Committee will compile feedback from public hearings and then table a report before parliament to guide future policy framework and funding decisions.
The exercise is part of a nationwide public participation drive, even as Kenya steps up efforts to achieve 30 percent tree cover by 2032.
By Patrick Nyakundi
