Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has allayed fears that a section of Menengai Forest in Nakuru County has been grabbed and privatised.

In a statement on Saturday, October 12, 2024, Kenya Forest assured the public that Menengai Forest is intact and no invader has occupied the land unlawfully.

According to KFS, the claims of land grabbing went viral after a photo was shared online showing land adjacent to the forest which is demarcated.

However, KFS has indicated that the said portion of land in Kiamunyi area, adjacent to Menengai Forest is private land.

“Following reports from a section of the press on alleged grabbing of a portion of land in Kiamunyi area, adjacent to Menengai Forest, Nakuru County, Kenya Forest Service wishes to make the following clarification. The photo being circulated and allegedly depicting a grabbed portion is actually private land. Kenya Forest Service is in the process of putting up an electric fence to secure this important forest.

“In 2023 before commencement of the fencing project, KFS surveyors undertook boundary alignment. Indeed, the forest boundary is well demarcated and there is no case of grabbing as alleged,” the statement read in part.

Ksh110 million fencing project

While assuring the public that the forest land is intact, KFS further explained that its officials visited the area and ascertained that the beacons were not moved as widely claimed.

At the same time, the Kenya Forest Service detailed that the plans to fence Menengai Forest are in top gear. The whole fencing project is expected to cost Ksh110 million with the projected end date being December 2024.

An electric fence will be erected which will cover the extensive area gazetted in accordance with the Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016.

“Kenya Forest Service wishes to allay public concerns and reasurres all Kenyans that Menengai forest and all other gazetted forests continue to be safeguarded from encroachment and grabbing through the Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016.

“Fencing of Menengai Forest is being funded through ADB’s Greenzones Development Support Project Phase II at a cost of Ksh 110. million and is expected to be completed by December 2024. The electric fence will cover the entire 55km boundary,” KFS concluded.