By Faith Anene, Kakamega
Political leaders from Kakamega County are urging President William Ruto, through the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, to hand over the management of Kakamega Forest to the county government.
Led by Governor Fernandes Barasa and his deputy Ayub Savula, the leaders argued that Kakamega should be allowed to manage its natural resources just like Narok and Kajiado counties, which oversee the Maasai Mara and Amboseli ecosystems respectively.
Governor Barasa made the remarks during the inaugural Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB) Climate Change Marathon, which was followed by a tree-planting drive at Kakamega Forest — Kenya’s only tropical rainforest.
The event brought together athletes, environmentalists, and county leaders, including Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo.
It marked the first in a series of activities leading to the LREB Climate Change and Agri-Expo Summit, which will focus on regional collaboration, climate resilience, and sustainable food production.
Barasa emphasized that restoring the forest to county leadership would ensure that local residents benefit directly from its resources and conservation initiatives. He noted that devolution was designed to empower counties to manage their own resources for sustainable development.
“This forest is the lifeline of our people. We want to be trusted with its management so that it can serve the community while being protected for future generations,” said Barasa.
Former Shinyalu MP Justus Kizito Mugali echoed the governor’s sentiments, saying the move would not only strengthen conservation efforts but also create economic opportunities for locals through eco-tourism and herbal medicine.
The leaders also called on forest officers to respect residents who enter the forest to collect natural herbs and medicinal plants, arguing that such traditional practices should not be criminalized.
“We are not against conservation, but local communities should not be harassed when looking for herbs that have been part of their culture for generations,” said Deputy Governor Savula.
Kakamega Forest, the only remaining tropical rainforest in Kenya, is currently managed by the Kenya Forest Service.
