The fencing of the Kaptagat forest ecosystem will not exclude residents from accessing the forest but will reduce illegal activities, which have adversely affected the important water tower.
The chief conservator of forests, Alex Lemarkoko, said the construction of the fence was meant to give communities controlled access points where they can access their rights, which are provided for in law.
“The community has a right to access the forest because forest conservation includes rational utilization of forests and communities are allowed to do that,” he said.
Speaking while on an inspection tour on the preparation of the 10th edition of the Kaptagat restoration programme to be held on July 11th this year, Lemarkoko said they had already constructed 10 km of the 273 km electric fence expected to protect the forest.
He said the fence included a maintenance walkway, a driveway, as well as a firebreak into the interior, which will be used for patrol as well as ensuring that the community can use it for sporting activities.
The conservator hailed the new approach to conservation, which has seen the community become the lead champions in conservation matters, which he said is influencing government policies, saying they intend to showcase the same not only locally but also in other countries.
He said part of the local initiatives was the integration of development activities into conservation, like the introduction of agroforestry species, citing fruit trees, adding that KFS was also encouraging the planting of commercial species like coffee, which will offer economic benefits to farmers.
“We are also thinking of introducing other commercial species like cocoa into coffee growing areas to boost local livelihoods and reduce pressure on forest resources,” he said.
Spanning across Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, the Kaptagat Forest ecosystem is a critical water tower feeding major rivers that supply Eldoret and surrounding agricultural regions.
Over the decades, however, this fragile ecosystem has suffered severe depletion from illegal logging, charcoal burning and livestock encroachment.
To reverse this damage, the government and local stakeholders launched a long-term conservation strategy, part of which includes constructing a massive 273-kilometer electric perimeter fence to permanently secure the forest boundaries while pioneering a model for community-led conservation.
By Alice Wanjiru
