South Africa (Kenya): The Kenya Forest Service (KFS), in collaboration with the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) under the East and Southern Africa Forestry Observatory (OFESA) Project, is conducting Forest Alert System Training.
They made this decision on Monday at Kenya Forest Service, and it was made for Kakamega County Forest Officers (RFC, RC, CFC, FSM, Forest Rangers and CFA Community Scouts) at Western Regional Forest Conservator Office Hall.
As per the reports, over 70 officers are attending the Training of Trainers (ToTs), which will leverage cutting-edge modern technology on the Forest Alert System and impact the skills, knowledge, and competencies of the field officers in Kakamega County.
Reports also indicated that this training will achieve a remarkable milestone in advancing forest protection, security, conservation, and management through the implementation of the Forest Alerts System.
Moreover, it will be low-cost monitoring, surveillance, and reporting that enhance forest protection and security, hence contributing to decision-making processes to deploy scarce resources.
CIFOR and KFS are committed to extending the training, supporting the establishment of a state-of-the-art control room, and empowering high-end computers and smartphones to serve as the nerve centre for real-time data collection, reporting and data processing.
The team of facilitators from KFS HQ, led by Dr Benjamin Kinyili representing the Chief Conservator of Forests, Alex Lemarkoko, Ag. Commandant Wilson Leboo, Forest Survey & Information Department and Directorate Forest Protection and Security Officers, supported by CIFOR/OFESA Ivy Amugune and Olivia Mutai.
Residents are happy with this advancement of Kenya Forest Service, and people appreciate the department by saying that the Forest Protection Department and Security Department are heading in the right direction.
“Imparting skills and knowledge to staff are key. Forest protection and security are headed in the right direction, said local resident Murgor Kiplagat Oliver.
“Keep up the good work. Congratulations,” said the other resident.