Greenpeace Africa has criticized the Kenya Forest Service for underestimating threats to Kenya’s forests amid ongoing deforestation and land grabs. Key forests such as Karura, Aberdare, Suam, Oloolua, and Ngong Road face significant risks from various projects. Greenpeace calls for immediate action to halt deforestation and genuine conservation efforts to protect natural heritage.
Greenpeace Africa has formally criticized the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) for its dismissal of increasing threats to the nation’s forests. The organization accuses KFS of misleading the public amidst ongoing deforestation and land encroachment activities that undermine Kenya’s environmental commitments. Despite KFS assertions of forest safety, substantial evidence indicates significant land clearances for projects that threaten ecological stability.
The Kenyan government’s initiatives are inconsistent with its commitment to expand forest cover, such as the objective of planting 15 billion trees by 2032. Various key forests, including Karura, Aberdare, Suam, Oloolua, and Ngong Road, face imminent threats from infrastructure expansion, land grabs, and development projects.
Specific threats to these forests include: Karura Forest, where 51.64 acres are designated for road expansion; Aberdare Forest, where a 25km road project endangers biodiversity; Suam Forest, which is jeopardized by land allocations for a border town; and Oloolua Forest facing persistent land acquisition disputes. Furthermore, Ngong Road Forest has seen rapid decline due to infrastructure projects and private leasing activities.
Amos Wemanya, the Responsive Campaigns Lead at Greenpeace Africa, denounced KFS, labeling its position a betrayal of its obligations. He stated, “It is devastating to see KFS turn a blind eye to the destruction unfolding in Karura, Aberdare, Suam, and beyond… KFS is failing in its duty to protect Kenya’s natural heritage.”
Greenpeace Africa, supported by the Green Belt Movement and numerous Kenyan citizens, demands immediate action to counteract deforestation. They emphasize the worthlessness of governmental reforestation pledges amid ongoing forest destruction. Wemanya further stated, “Kenyans deserve real climate action, not empty promises and greenwashing.”
The organization calls on KFS and the government to focus on authentic conservation efforts, strengthen forest protections, and cease projects that threaten Kenya’s critical ecosystems. Such actions are essential to preserving the country’s natural heritage and fostering long-term sustainability.
Greenpeace Africa’s condemnation of the Kenya Forest Service underscores the urgent need for accountability regarding forest preservation. KFS’s claims of forest safety contradict evident ecological threats, particularly from developmental activities and land encroachment. The organization’s advocacy for genuine conservation efforts reflects widespread public concern and reinforces the necessity for the government to uphold its environmental commitments.
Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke
