The national and county government have raised an alarm over the continued destruction of the forest ecosystem in Kilifi county which is partly responsible for the current drought being witnessed in the region.
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro and County Commissioner Kutswa Olaka told journalists in Kilifi town that there was a need for speedy steps to address the same least forests in Kilifi face extinction.
The two spoke after conducting an aerial survey to check on the drought situation and its impact on the communities.
“We have toured Galana Kulalu, Baricho and the Dakacha woodlands to see the status of the forest cover and it is unfortunate that people have destroyed the forest to a large magnitude. If this is not controlled then we fear the worst because there will be no forest cover left in a near future,” said the Governor.
Mr. Mung’aro said the increased human encroachment and burning of charcoal were partly responsible for the human-wildlife conflict because the animals have no place to get their forage after the destruction,”said Mung’aro
During their survey the team which also comprised of officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Kenya Forest Services (KFS) they came across several trucks loaded with charcoal believed to be destined to Nairobi using illegal routes.
“We have seen about five trucks loaded with charcoal deep in the forest. These lorries carry the charcoal to Nairobi. We have also discovered about 500 stations used as charcoal collection centres. We have to end this with immediate effect,” he said.
Mr Olaka said their goals as county security committee is to make sure that measures are taken for the protection of the forest ecosystem which has been largely destroyed.
“The county security committee will work hand in hand with the county government to make sure that all forests within the county are protected. It was evident during our survey that there is a beehive of illegal activities endangering our forests and we shall work together to end this menace as soon as possible,” he said.
