Members of Parliament have opposed the proposed de-gazettement of sections of Turbo (Maanzini Block), Mt. Elgon (Chebyuk Settlement Scheme), and Shiru/Shiviringa in Kakamega Forest, citing serious environmental risks.

The resistance came during a meeting on Friday, March 13, 2026, in Machakos County, where the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry, and Mining engaged officials from the National Lands Commission (NLC) and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry.

“The proposed de-gazettement of public forest land in Turbo (Maanzini Block), Mt. Elgon (Chebyuk Settlement Scheme), and Shiru/Shiviringa in Kakamega Forest is facing resistance after the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry, and Mining raised concerns, demanding to know the motive behind the plan,” a statement shared by the Parliament of Kenya read in part.

The lands in question cover about 6,708 hectares and are targeted for de-gazettement to formalise long-standing settlements.

Principal Secretary for Forestry Gitonga Mugambi noted that in areas like Shiru/Shiviringa, residents who relocated decades ago have returned without legal title deeds.

He said de-gazettement would halt further encroachment, clarify boundaries, and allow fencing to protect the remaining forest, recommending a site visit for verification.

MPs warn of ecological and legal risks

Committee Chairperson Vincent Musyoka and other MPs expressed deep skepticism, questioning both the timing and motives of the proposal.

MP Charity Kathambi highlighted the contradiction with the national 15 billion tree-planting initiative, asking why de-gazettement would be considered amid efforts to boost forest cover.

MP Leo Wamuthende warned that the move could fuel land speculation, harm biodiversity, and threaten wildlife.

“We are not for this de-gazettement… One of our roles as Parliament is to protect the constitution,” he said.

MP Joseph Emathe added that the NLC had described the proposal as opening a “Pandora’s box,” warning of potential risks to other water towers like the Aberdares and Mau complexes if the precedent is set.

Fact-finding mission planned

The NLC, through CEO Kabale Tache Arero, opposed the plan, noting that the Kenya Forest Service Board approved de-gazettement without consulting the NLC or conducting site inspections.

The committee, led by MP Yakub Adow, directed the ministry to organise a stakeholders’ fact-finding mission to the affected forests to gather firsthand evidence before any decisions are made.

The standoff highlights tensions in Kenya’s conservation landscape, balancing human settlement needs with protecting water catchments, biodiversity, and climate goals.