State launches Sh75m forest initiative

Environment CS Keriako Tobiko says the government will review the controversial shamba system.

“I have instructed the Chief Conservator of Forest through Kenya Forest Service board to avail to me the report over the new shamba system policy and the way forward. If the we will fail to resolve as the ministry the matter will be referred to the Cabinet committee so that we can have a national policy which applies across the country,” he said during the launch of the tree rehabilitation programme of the 107 hectors Mt Blanket Forest in Londiani in Kipkelion East.

The Environment CS was responding to Kipkelion East MP Joseph Limo who argued that residents have been conserving forests in the area and should be allowed to plant crops such as maize. 

Governor Paul Chepkwony asked area residents be given the first priority to benefit from forests such as when the time to harvest mature trees came and that value addition is made mandatory.  

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Energy Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter yesterday said his Ministry had in the last 10 years spent Sh500 millions through the Ministry of Environment to conserve forests.