Kaptagat: The Government has intensified efforts to safeguard the country’s forest resources through a strategic fencing programme aimed at curbing encroachment, mitigating human-wildlife conflict, and enhancing ecosystem restoration. Speaking during the commissioning of the Kaptagat ecosystem fencing project, Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko said the initiative underscores the Government’s commitment to sustainable forest management and environmental conservation.
According to Kenya News Agency, ‘Forest fencing remains a proven intervention in strengthening protection, enhancing boundary integrity, and supporting long-term conservation outcomes,’ said Lemarkoko. ‘We are scaling up investments in this programme to secure our forests and ensure they continue to provide critical ecological services.’ The project, which was officially handed over to the Kenya Forest Service fencing unit, will commence with the installation of a 50 kilometre electric fence in the Kapkoi area within Sabor Forest Station in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
The fencing is expected to significantly boost biodiversity conservation, facilitate natural regeneration, and protect vital ecosystem functions such as water catchment, carbon sequestration, and soil conservation. ‘This ecosystem is a critical water tower and biodiversity hub. Securing it is not only beneficial to the immediate community but also to the country at large,’ Lemarkoko added.
During the visit, the CCF also toured Kimore Boys Senior School, situated on the forest edge under a Special User License arrangement. He was briefed on the institution’s development progress and its coexistence framework with the forest ecosystem. Addressing area residents, Lemarkoko emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in forest conservation, urging them to act as custodians of the environment.
‘We urge communities living adjacent to forests to become ‘social fences’ by protecting these resources from illegal activities such as logging and encroachment,’ he said. ‘Take advantage of the ongoing rains to plant trees and contribute to national restoration efforts.’ The Kenya Forest Service reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening forest protection through multi-stakeholder partnerships, noting that collaborative approaches are key to achieving sustainable conservation outcomes for present and future generations.
