By Contributor
Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Aden Duale, recently conducted a familiarization visit to the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Headquarters.
The visit, marked by a ceremonial tree planting and a formal Quarter Guard inspection, underscores the critical role of the Kenya Forest Service in achieving national environmental goals and highlights the government’s commitment to supporting these efforts at the highest level.
The day’s agenda began with an introductory briefing by CCF Alex Lemarkoko, providing CS Duale with insights into the inner workings of the Service. This overview highlighted how KFS aligns its operations with its core mandate and strategic plan, ensuring efficient and effective forest management across the country.
During the briefing, several key outputs of the Service were highlighted. Notably, the recent recruitment of forest rangers was discussed, emphasizing the KFS’s efforts to bolster its workforce for improved forest protection. Additionally, the increase in forest cover was presented as a significant achievement, aligning with Kenya’s national and global environmental commitments.
Today, I conducted a familiarization visit to the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) headquarters in Karura, Nairobi County.
Joined by Forestry PS Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, we were warmly welcomed by the institution's leadership, including Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. Alex Lemarkoko and… pic.twitter.com/HQTLQ6hNes
— Hon. Aden Duale, EGH (@HonAdenDuale) August 19, 2024
In his address, Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale emphasized the critical role of the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) in the government’s ambitious 15 billion tree planting agenda. He stressed that KFS is mandated by law to spearhead this initiative, with other institutions such as the Ministry of Education, Kenya Defence Forces, and National Youth Service providing support.
The CS called for the development of actionable, practical strategies to achieve this goal, which will be incorporated into performance contracts. He urged KFS to adhere strictly to legal procedures, especially in plantation management, bidding, and auctions, while emphasizing the importance of integrity and the need to combat illegal logging and corruption.
CS Duale highlighted the significance of community engagement, urging KFS to foster closer relationships with local populations and conduct civic education.
Addressing the staff directly, he underscored KFS’s responsibility in leading the production of 1 billion seedlings annually and implementing livelihood improvement schemes.
Duale recognized the importance of staff morale and motivation, acknowledging that the dedicated workforce of KFS is crucial to the success of these ambitious environmental conservation efforts.
CS Duale was welcomed by KFS Board Chair Titus Korir and Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Alex Lemarkoko. The Cabinet Secretary was accompanied by Mugambi Gitonga, the Principal Secretary of the State Department of Forestry.
