Barely few days after the county governments of Uasin-Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet agreed on strategies to conserve the Kaptagat Forest residents have condemned the move.
The residents claim that the two governments have not involved them in decision making even though they are part of the stakeholders.
The angry residents are further accusing the governor of Uasin Gishu Jackson Mandago of fueling propaganda that the forest is facing destruction from locals saying they (locals) are the ones championing for conservation.
“We would like to tell Governor Mandago to avoid claiming that we are destroying the forest. We are the ones conserving the forest because it is ours and we are the stakeholders,” said Nicholas Tanui, the chairman of the area Community Forest Users (CFS).
The residents claim that they are opposing the move by the two counties to prevent ban farming and cattle grazing activities in the forest saying that their sole source of livelihood is the forest.
“We have been depending on this forest for a long time. We graze our animals here and farm inside the forest, so if we are removed then we are finished,” said Jane Kimaiyo, a resident.
The angry residents who paralysed transport along Kaptagat-Eldama Ravine Road for hours say that they are not opposed to conservation but say the two governments should look for a more inclusive formula.
Kaptagat Forest borders Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet and recently it was declared a water catchment area. It has been a major source of timber to saw millers in Eldoret town.