The Maa Council of elders has commended the current government administration for championing the restoration of Maasai Mau Forest, which was on the verge of destruction following mega encroachment and interference by human activities.
Led by their chairman Mzee Kelena Ole Nchoe, the elders said the electronic fence erected around the forest barred human activities inside the mega water catchment land, hence enabling the forest to regenerate naturally.
While quoting that the forest is a source of livelihood for both humans and wildlife, Mzee Nchoe said the Maa community has been the custodian of the forest for years and passionately protected it from destruction.
“The forest is the source of water for all living things. The Mara River that feeds the Maasai Mara National Reserve originates from the mega forest so we have to protect it passionately,” he said.
The government began the process of reclaiming Mau forest from invasion in 2018 and 2019 where thousands of people were removed from the forestland.
Since then, the government has put various measures to conserve the forest, among them fencing, planting trees and increasing security personnel within the forestland to protect it from human activities.
He praised President Dr William Ruto for the numerous appointments he has given the Maa people, reiterating that the appointment of Soipan Tuya in the docket of Defense was a major achievement for the Narok people.
Another elder Iree Ole Silonka lauded the current administration for initiating mega projects in the county among them Economic Stimulus Markets and anticipated upgrading of Ewaso Nyiro airstrip to airport.
The elders welcomed President William Ruto’s visit to Narok and called on residents to volunteer in large numbers to welcome the head of state in his first development tour in the county.
Other projects expected to be launched during the president’s visit are: Upgrading of Ngoswani- Naikarra- Leshuta- Morijo road to bitumen standard and launch of Ushanga house in Sekenani among others.
By Ann Salaton
