All title documents for areas inside gazetted forests would be cancelled due to irregular issuance, according to Hon. Soipan Tuya, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry.
The CS gave her speech at Ololua Forest, which is a part of the Ngong' Hills Forest Station. She had gone there in response to reports from the local Community Forest Association (CFA) members to investigate allegations of forest encroachment.
She underlined that while the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) is responsible for managing and owning all gazetted forests, title deeds cannot be issued for the same land parcels or portions of the property because the government already has legal custody of them.
She then gave the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Mr. Alex Lemarkoko, instructions to start the title revocation procedure right away, working with the Ministry of Lands.
According to the CS, all public groups that have been granted land in gazetted forests would be granted Special User Licences in accordance with the legislation to use the land for the intended use and the benefit of the public, without necessitating the de-gazettement of the forests.
It was observed that the Institute of Primate Research and the Nuclear Authority of Kenya, two public institutions, had been granted permission to establish research institutes and offices, respectively, but it was impossible to confirm the veracity of the paperwork allegedly granting Child Welfare International Society, another organisation, ownership of 66 acres inside the forest.
All gazetted woods are under the KFS's jurisdiction, and Hon. Tuya advised the public to always obtain their permission before beginning any activity.
Among the other dignitaries in attendance were the Principal Secretary for Forestry, Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, and former Kajiado Senator, Hon. Peter Mositet.