Kenya: Kenya Forest Service and ILMAMUSI Community Forest Association (CFA) have today launched the reviewed Mukogodo Forest Participatory Forest Management Plan (PFMP) and signed the Forest Management Agreement (FMA) for the Mukokodo Forest at a colourful ceremony at Lokusero Secondary School in Mukokodo Forest, Laikipia North constituency in Laikipia County in an exercise presided over by the area MP Sara Korere.
The Forest Conservation and Management Act No.34 of 2016 entrenches Participatory Forest Management Plans as mandatory in the management of public forests. The PFMP enhances the community’s ability to engage in the conservation of the forest.
The review process of 5 years Mukogodo PMFM plan was aided & facilitated by the Service partners, which included; the Food & Agriculture Organization of UN (FAO), Laikipia Conservancy Association, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Borana Conservancy and Laikipia Wildlife Forum.
Speaking during the launch, the area MP commended the Mukogodo community for protecting and conserving the forest. She thanked KFS for involving the community in the management of the forest through the PFMP.
While addressing the gathering, the Head of Legal Services, Esther Keige, who was representing the Ag. Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr Alex Lemarkoko, urged the CFA together with the other partners to implement the PFMP noting that it would greatly benefit the community.
She also reminded the participants to get involved in the 30% tree cover campaign by ensuring everyone planted their 30 trees annually until the target is attained in 2032.
The Regional Forest Conservator’s representative Mr Erick Akung’u on his part thanked all the partners who supported the process and urged them to continue supporting the Service in the implementation of its mandate.
During the ceremony, there were other people present there, like: FAO Representative Phillip Kisoyan, the Laikipia CFC, Allan Ongere, the Management Plans Officer, John Rono and the County Police Commander, John Nyoike, among other national and County officers.
