Kakamega County Governor Fernandes Barasa has called on the national government to hand over the management and running of the Kakamega tropical rainforest to the county government.
Speaking after leading several officials in a 10 km marathon race from Khayega market to Isechero forest area in Shinyalu constituency and later planting of trees, Governor Barasa observed that devolved management of the forest will lead to better conservation, improved tourism revenue, and community involvement.
The Governor noted that the county has the capacity and commitment to sustainably manage the unique rainforest ecosystem which is the only tropical rainforest in Kenya.
“This forest is not just a natural heritage of Kakamega, but a national treasure that has been underutilized. Just like other counties that manage national parks, we believe Kakamega should take charge of its own forest,” he said.
Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo encouraged the youth in the country to take lead in environmental conservation and protection.
Ottichilo, who addressed the athletes and residents at Shihuli trade center, the starting point of the 10km race, serves as the Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee at the Council of Governors.
Speaking at the function, Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula supported sentiments by Governor Barasa, noting that counties such as Narok and Kajiado are successfully managing critical ecosystems like the Maasai Mara Game Reserve and Amboseli National park respectively.
“A similar model can be applied in Kakamega to ensure both ecological preservation and economic empowerment of local communities”, he added.
“Why should Kakamega Forest remain under centralized management yet we want to conserve this forest while ensuring our people benefit from eco-tourism, research, and green jobs,” Savula posed.
The Deputy Governor said local people should be allowed to take advantage of natural products in the forest like indigenous roots alias ‘mukombera’(white ginger) often used for medical benefits.
He said the forest can help boost foreign and local tourism and especially the unique bird, ape, snake and insect, among other species found in the forest.
The Kakamega forest, is Kenya’s last remnant of the ancient Guineo –Congo rain forest that once spanned the African continent, covering approximately 238 square kilometers and is home to rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, including rare monkeys and hundreds of bird species.
But leaders are now rooting a collaborative working framework between national and county governments in the management of the forest.
During the event, marathon winners received awards in both the male and female categories after which all members of the county executive, partners, key stakeholders and residents planted over 1000 trees.
The day’s event is part of the inaugural Lake Region Economic Block (LREB) climate change summit and agro-expo taking place at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) from 14-17 2005.
by George Kaiga
