KFS denies land-grabbing claims at the Menengai Crater

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has refuted claims circulating online that land within the Menengai Crater in Nakuru has been grabbed.

This follows public concern after photos surfaced on social media showing part of the crater being fenced off, with some users alleging that public forest land was being encroached upon.

In a statement released on Friday via its official X account, KFS clarified that the fencing is part of a legitimate conservation effort under the Menengai Forest Fencing Project, which is funded by the African Development Bank through the GreenZones Development Support Project Phase II.

"KFS affirms that no part of the gazetted Menengai Forest has been seized. The forest boundaries are well demarcated and remain intact, as verified by KFS surveyors," the agency stated.

According to KFS, the area under fencing lies outside the gazetted forest boundary, contrary to online claims.

The fencing project will cover approximately 55 kilometres around 6,014 hectares of forest, the Service said, with the aim of preventing encroachment, enhancing safety and improving conservation management.

"All requisite procedures, including public participation and stakeholder consultations, were duly conducted prior to commencement to ensure transparency and inclusivity," the statement added.

KFS emphasised that Menengai Forest is a vital ecological and economic asset for Nakuru County, serving as a major water catchment area, a biodiversity hotspot and an eco-tourism site which also supports local livelihoods.

"KFS categorically refutes all allegations of land grabbing and reiterates its unwavering commitment to conserving and protecting Kenya’s public forests in line with the Forest Conservation and Management Act 2016," the statement concluded.

The agency has also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities in or around forest areas to the nearest KFS office.