Kisumu: The New Samburu West County Commissioner (CC), Peter Mose, has issued a directive to Chiefs and their assistants to enhance efforts against illegal logging and charcoal trading, aiming to prevent extensive forest destruction in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, Commissioner Mose highlighted the need for strict measures against business entities involved in illegal tree harvesting, particularly in the Lok forest area of Loosuk, where trees are reportedly being cut down indiscriminately for charcoal production. During a Jamuhuri Day celebration at Loosuk Trading Centre, he emphasized that the government will no longer tolerate the reckless destruction of native trees and warned that any officers complicit in these activities will be held accountable.
Mose instructed that all Chiefs and their assistants ensure the protection of forests within their jurisdictions, citing a recent incident where a lorry transporting eight tonnes of charcoal was seized in Loosuk. He further directed security officers at Loosuk Trading Centre to intercept any vehicles transporting timber, charcoal, or other illegal forest products, and to hand over those responsible to the police for further legal action.
Additionally, the commissioner urged parents to monitor their children during the long holidays to prevent involvement in activities such as drug abuse and other societal problems.
