Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko has directed the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to sack its officers who have been in charge of Kibiku, Ololua, Thogoto and Ngong Road Forest stations.
In what is seen as a fight against the illegal logging, the CS said the massive destruction of resources in the forests was life-threatening.
“Due to the massive destruction of forest resources and which has been widely reported in the media and highlighted in various social media platforms, I have today directed the Chairman, Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the Chief Conservator of Forests, to immediately replace all KFS officers currently deployed at the Kibiku, Ololua, Thogoto and Ngong Road forest stations,” read the statement which was sent to newsrooms.
“The officers should be replaced immediately and suitable teams assigned. I have also directed the immediate suspension of the Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Implementation Scheme (PELIS) within the same forest stations (Kibiku, Ololua, Thogoto and Ngong Road) pending an independent status assessment,” added the cabinet secretary.
He further said that they have put in place measures to ensure they protect the forests and that they will have regular reports on the progress.
This follows the 90-day ban on logging imposed by Deputy President, which is aimed at aiding the fight against the destruction of forests.