 has conducted a series of Public Participation Meetings from May 20th to May 24th, 2024.){kind=link}
Kenya: The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has conducted a series of Public Participation Meetings from May 20th to May 24th, 2024. The meetings were held regarding the proposed Solar Electric Fence Project for the conservation of the Kaptagat Ecosystem.
Through the forum, the members of Kenya Forest Service want to make sure that they take the opinion of the people. The leadership shared that they would want to make sure that the project has majority participation from the members of the community.
The public participation meetings were spearheaded by the Head of Watersheds Benedict Omondi. The other stakeholders include North Rift Regional Forest Conservator Anthony Musyoka.
The aim of the initiative was to ensure that the members of the public can give their feedbacks regarding the project. During the public meetings, they also sought to address the concerns of the people.
Meanwhile the series of public interactions which ran for five days were attended by several notable stakeholders. Government representatives, members of the local community and environment officials offered their advice.
The four days of meetings started with presentations on the project’s significance and design. The stakeholders spoke in depth regarding the importance of protecting the Kaptagat Forest Ecosystem.
The stakeholders of the four day public participation meetings participated in discussions. They provided valuable feedback and suggestions to the Kenya Forest Service officers.
The team also addressed the participants concerns regarding potential impacts on local communities and wildlife migration patterns. The gesture of the officials made it clear that they are considering the apparent impacts of the project’s implementation.
The Kenya Forest Service asserted that the event was a resounding success. They gave the credit for this success to the meticulous planning and proactive engagement.
The advise and insights that the team received from the members of the community will help in the successful implementation and operation of the project.
The Public Participation Meetings served as a platform for stakeholders to come together and shared their views and opinions. The meetings also made it clear that KFS wants to implement the Solar Electric Fence Project while protecting the Kaptagat Ecosystem.