LAND UPDATE A NEWSLETTER OF KENYA LAND ALLIANCE VOLUME 5 NUMBER 1 JANUARY - MARCH 2006

A Survey into the Management and use of Wetlands in Kenya

Inside Lake Naivasha: A Diminishing Freshwater Ecosystem Yala: A Wetland Under Siege Nzoia: Challenges Facing the basin LAND UPDATE JANUARY -MARCH 2006

EDITORIAL The Role Of Wetlands In Poverty Reduction

Extreme poverty among rural poor of the poor. Guaranteeing their equal people living around wetlands remains access to wetlands and other natural a daily reality for more than 56% of resources, not as cheap labour, is a Kenya’s population, who subsist on prerequisite for eliminating extreme Contents less than one dollar a day. Seventy per- poverty. To the rest of rural poor cent of extremely poor households, communities contingent to wetlands, Lake Naivasha: A Diminishing a majority of who live in rural areas land and natural resources not only Freshwater Ecosystem - Page 3 where hunger and poverty prevails, represent their main source of food are now being caught up in a new security; it is linked directly to their web of lack of access to wetlands as cultural and spiritual identity. Legal safety-net during hard times due to recognition of the special needs of appropriation of wetlands by private these groups is a basic precondition for developers. The number of rural self-determination and participation in Yala: A Wetland Under Siege households deprived of wetlands, sustainable development. - Page 5 the main source of their livelihood, is increasing daily as a result of expro- It is now internationally accepted that priation and expansion of commercial poverty, land rights and the sustainable activities. If access to wetlands and wise use of wetlands are correlated, other common property resources and that secure access to wetlands for is not treated as a basic human right, rural poor is fundamental to improving Nzioia: Challenges Facing the Basin the downward spiral of poverty and their livelihoods. Furthermore, wet- - Page 8 conflicts this creates will continue. lands’ common ownership by the poor is increasingly recognized as essential Strengthening rural communities’ to sustained, broad-based economic organizations, particularly those of growth. Although this has repeatedly customary land users and small-scale been recognized by the UN and con- farmers, is essential to long-term firmed in international agreements, Ownership: Securing Wetlands as resolution of wetlands conflicts and failure of national and global institu- Common Property - Page 12 improved access to wetlands for tions to identify problems and imple- sustainable and wise use. The right of ment joint solutions, has often severely these organizations to organize freely limited their ability to increase wetland and engage in public debate over land access and reduce rural poverty. Genu- and natural resource policy without ine and meaningful involvement by civil intimidation and violence by state and society, including farmers’ unions, rural private developers’ hired goons are peoples’ organizations and NGOs, is a fundamental. critical ingredient to the achievement of effective policy reforms. Widespread exclusion and impedi- ment of women from gathering and The Kenya Land Alliance calls upon Plus... your Letters, Facts, collecting wetland resources, has national, regional and global institutions News and much more. resulted into impoverishing women to recommit themselves to empower- more, despite their pivotal role in ing poor people by promoting secure providing household security. Women access to wetlands and other key and women-headed households natural resources to achieve the com- around our major wetlands now mon goal of a world free from hunger represent the majority of the poorest and poverty.

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Lake Naivasha A Diminishing Freshwater Ecosystem

Lake Naivasha is situated in the Kenyan Lake Naivasha - An Aerial View section of the Great Rift Valley, and is one in a chain of eight major lakes found in the valley. It is at an altitude of 1890 metres above sea level. Ad- ministratively, it falls within Naivasha division, Nakuru District. Its average surface area is approximately 150 square kilometres, subject to consider- able annual fluctuations corresponding to wet and dry spells. The Lake has a width of between 45 and 75 kilometres. It has a catchment area of 1,000 square kilometres and is drained by ephemeral streams that disappear underground before reaching the lake. Primary among them is River Malewa whose source is in the Aberdare Range, Mau Escarpment and Longonot. It supplies 80% of the lake waters, while Rivers Karati and Gilgil contribute the remain- rounded by private land. It is a closed geothermal energy exploration and for ing 20%. Lake Naivasha is considered system whose watershed boundary is use in the power generation and yields the second largest fresh water body beyond authority of Naivasha division some 109 Megawatts to the national in Kenya after the Kenyan portion of and the riparian owners. The Govern- grid besides providing employment op- Lake Victoria. ment granted the riparian land in the portunities. It contributes 60% of the lake to the adjacent landowners who water to the Olkaria power project. The basin of the lake contains four are expected to use it and conserve physically different satellite water bod- natural resources therein. For instance, c) The wetland supports commer- ies comprising the wetland ecosystem. in one of the farms with an area of 460 cial fishery that directly or indirectly These are: The main Lake Naivasha-a hectares of riparian land, there exists provides livelihood to over 1,000 crescent island basin, a crater lake 251 bird species, 34 mammals including members of the local community. The to the southern end known as Lake five rodent and eight reptile species. Tilapines, Black bass, and Common Oloidien, and Lake Sonachi, commonly Interviewed stakeholders indicate that carp are especially for commercial known as crater lake. there is generally no overall body act- purposes. The bass is also taken by rod ing as a custodian of the lake Naivasha and line for sport fishing activities. Source of the Lakes’ Freshness wetland. Therefore the wetland is Several factors combine to keep the unprotected and use of its resources d) Its littoral zones provide a crucial lake’s water fresh. These include; Rain- not well controlled. habitat for fish breeding and forag- fall, a large percentage of water being ing by wildlife, which includes hippo, supplied by rivers with fresh water and Socio-economic and Cultural waterbuck, buffalo, and rare species of loss of water via groundwater seepage Values of L. Naivasha birds. These are popular with nature and exchange with near and offshore a) Lake Naivasha ecosystem is a loving tourists and local people. It sediments and sedimentation of parti- source of fresh water that supports the supplies 30% of the warm springs to cles to remove solutes. irrigated horticulture and flower grow- the northern end of Lake Elementaita, ing industry that offers employment to a site that has been given international Ownership of the Wetland over 30,000 people, a majority of them recognition as an important national The Lake Naivasha ecosystem is a women, and earns the country foreign heritage. national resource of great importance exchange. e) The wetland provides a suitable and value. The shores of the lake is sur- b) The wetland provides water for environment for social activities and

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meetings such as organized retreats Ecological Concerns - The LNRA has put in place a manage- and camping. Learning institutions Presently a paltry 10% of the area for- ment plan whose primary objective is organize numerous academic tours to merly covered by papyrus is remaining. to promote sustainable and wise use the wetland. This in turn has led to reduction in of resources in the lake and its sur- submerged vegetation that supports roundings. f) The beautiful sceneries within aquatic life. Level of water in the - Ecological problems like overpopula- the wetland are often used for filming lake has been receding at an alarming tion of the water fern (Silvinia molesta) documentaries. rate. This is due to a number of fac- and the water hyacinth have been tors including: Prolonged dry seasons, controlled by the introduction of host g) Traditionally, the Maasai commu- trampling by large herds of buffalo, specific biological control agents / wee- nity and pastoralists in general use the coupled with vegetation clearance vils by the Kenya Agricultural Research wetland for watering their livestock. and excessive water abstraction and Institute-KARI. livestock grazing. - The Naivasha Municipal Council with h) Religious groups value the fresh Japanese and German assistance is in water as an important resource for Legislative and Institutional the process of upgrading the sewerage baptism and recording of musical vid- Inadequacies network and treatment plant to reduce eos. The government has established sev- their risk to the wetland. eral sectoral statutes, policies and - The Fisheries Department and KM- Socio-Economic Challenges legislations that impacts on wetlands FRI undertakes monitoring of fish From a population of 7,000 people inscribed under various sectors, all stocks and from time to time puts into in 1969, the population of Naivasha considered directly or indirectly rel- place fishing bans and also prosecutes town and areas around the lake rose evant to wetlands conservation and poachers. to 190,000 by the year 2001. management. Prominent among them - The Ministry of Water Resources is the Environmental Management and Management and Development did a This has been attributed to expansion Coordination Act (EMCA) 1999, but detailed water abstraction point survey of the flower farms that has lead to there is no outright policy legislative and stationed a hydrologist and a water an increased demand for labourers and institutional framework on the bailiff to monitor use of resources. most of whom live with their families same. towards the southern side of the lake. Shortcomings of the Above Geothermal plant employees and some Hence there is duplicity of functions, Initiatives associated company staff also live adja- and disjointed management of the Research commissioned by KLA found cent to the lake. wetland. A number of institutions like out that only a minority of stakehold- the Lake Naivasha Riparian Association ers participate in decision-making The lake- shore immediately below the (LNRA), Lake Naivasha Management process. Furthermore, there are alle- settlements, where access is possible, Implementation Committee (LNMIC) gations that selection of members to is degraded by pressure of demand for and the Naivasha Municipal Council, represent stakeholders in such proc- watering livestock and laundry. among others, expected to manage the esses is biased. In addition, consensus wetlands are under-funded, under-sup- was not reached on issues contained in Some endangered species that existed ported and are lacking in capacity. the drafted and adopted Management two decades ago are presently rarely Plan for Lake Naivasha wetland. or never seen. These include the Crest- Initiatives Towards Improving A wider section of the local community ed Crebe, Maccoa Duck, Saddle-billed Management and Use is also ignorant of various government Stork among others - The government has introduced Acts in place. They assume that the Wetlands Management Education in a management of the wetland is entirely Vested interests also do influence land number of Institutions of higher learn- a responsibility of the KWS, Fisheries use there. Horticultural development ing, an example being the KWS Training Department and Naivasha Municipal through irrigation, tourism requiring Institute in Naivasha. Council. The pastoral Maasai communi- hotels close to the lake, and develop- - Kenya has signed the Ramsar Con- ty is not directly represented as stake- ment of ranches and private land has vention and the Convention on Bio- holders of the wetland, consequently led to degradation of former wood- logical Diversity, CBD. The two are the community feels it does not benefit lands to pave way for such activities. international conventions with specific much from developments in the area. guidelines on management of wetlands Further they feel their proximity to the and their resources. geothermal power plant affects their

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Yala environment and health. The manage- ment of the catchment system is not A Wetland Under Siege looked at as a whole and it does not incorporate aspects from the inflowing river catchments. Areas of Conflict Resource Users There is apparent conflict among users as to who is responsible for degrading the wetlands, with the fisherfolk blam- ing the large-scale farmers for excess water abstraction, who in turn blame the small-scale farmers for siltation of the lake while civil rights groups blame land owners, hoteliers and ranchers for grabbing access corridors to the lake.

Human - wildlife conflicts Construction of residential estates like Banda and Kihoto on the eastern Large-scale agricultural development remains the biggest threat to wetlands sides of the wetland has reduced space accesibility and sustainability available for wildlife. As a result, large mammals like hippo and buffaloes have become destructive to particularly Its History small-scale farmers who do not have The Yala Wetland is a flooded plain, Water Resources Services to speculate electric fences. whose area of coverage has been on its development potential. Under given by various researchers as rang- the guidance of Sir Alexander Gibbs, Inter-institutional conflict ing from 17,500 to 35,000 hectares it identified the agricultural potential Due to unco-ordinated mechanisms of and runs through the two provinces of the swamp. A successful appeal by implementation, there arises conflict as to the west of Kenya, that is Nyanza the Kenya government to the United various institutions try to implement and Western Province. It lies within Nations to assist in the implementation similar or different regulations. the three districts of Siaya, Bondo and of Sir Gibbs’ recommendations led the Busia, an area according to the Kenyan Food and Agricultural Organization Recommendations National Census report of 1999, with (FAO) to release funds for reclamation A clear system needs to be put in an estimated population of close to a of what came to be referred to as Area place to identify relevant stakeholders, million people. The main source of the 1 measuring around 2,300 hectares. incorporating them with their roles swamp water is river Yala, a river that Further developmental activities that well defined to enhance development eventually drains into Lake Victoria. took place during the five year life of clear and acceptable wetland man- of the project before it ground to a agement strategies. The wetland has three other significant halt in 1970 was the construction of water bodies; Lake Kanyaboli, Lake a 9.0 kilometre diversion canal and a There is need for grass-root focused Namboyo and Lake Sare. Even before protection dyke on River Yala among awareness to enable the communities Kenya’s independence, the swamp others. In 1972, an additional research to identify themselves with the wetland was attracting a number of interest was commissioned by the government as a resource and habitat. They in addi- groups for a variety of reasons. An to investigate possible developments tion need to be empowered to manage initial attempt in the early 1950’s to of the Yala swamp, and it was done by and monitor the wetlands. reclaim the swamp for agricultural ILACO, a Dutch firm. The firm recom- purposes was thwarted by environ- mended reclamation of a further 9,200 KLA and partners need to take bold mental conservationists who insisted hectares for agricultural development and strategic approach to ensure verti- that its rich, diverse and unique biota and a further area known as Area 111 cal and horizontal focus in lobbying for needed to be conserved. In 1954, a consisting of 6,000 hectares was to be the development of wetland policies. survey was commissioned by the Nile left as a natural buffer zone.

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In 1979, further research was done by bird among others. According to the Market Competition F.C Weger Infra Consult and Kitololo. report, the swamp further acts as a A number of crops that the project These were completed in 1984, and it refuge to fish species extinct in Lake proposes to produce were being is on the basis of this report that the Victoria. These include the Lake Victo- grown mainly in the wetland by the government has sought assistance to ria Tilapia (Oreochromis esculentus). locals for subsistence and for the lo- reclaim the swamp. cal market. An Agro-Investment Plan Socio-Cultural and Ecological The Kenyan government and the The BP Award winning report on the Importance of Yala Dominion Farms, an international Options of the Yala Wetland Manage- A BP Award-winning research, com- organization based in Oklahoma USA, ment noted that the areas around the pleted in 2004 by leading researchers through the Siaya and Bondo County wetland had shallow soils, were rocky and students of Moi University-Eldoret Councils have since entered a leasehold and with its aridity would deter reli- identified a number of socio-cultural agreement allowing the firm to take able agricultural activities. This would importance of the swamp. over some 3,700 hectares of swamp further aggravate the problem of food for what the firms Project Investment insecurity in the area as the commu- According to the findings, 95% of the Plan refers to as a highly mechanized nity would now be dependent on food population of Busoga, Alego and Usigu large scale farming project. grown by the firm on the swamp. Divisions that border the swamp, are directly employed in natural resource The report of August 2005 plans to There is also a fear of possible intro- harvesting from the swamp area among other things engage in fish duction of Genetically Modified Organ- through agriculture, fishing, animal production and processing, cotton isms (GMOs) by the firm into the area, husbandry and handicraft making. production and ginnery, rice cultiva- an activity whose impact has not been tion and milling, production of feeds, fully understood by the locals and by A good number are involved in sub- construction of a multipurpose dam, the stakeholders. The Investment Plan sistence agriculture growing mainly hydroelectricity generation, large scale does not explicitly rule out possibility maize, beans, sorghum and millet. Most production of maize, beans, soybean of practicing it. of their agriculture is along the 100 among a host of other crops. metre margin along the wetland area, Land These ventures, according to Domin- The gazette notice number 2570 under commonly referred to as Area 1 that th has been in custody of the Lake Basin ion Investment Plan of August 2005 the Trust Lands Act (CAP 288) of 25 Development Authority on behalf of Page 2, would provide employment August 1970 issued titles to 63 families the government. opportunities for the local populace, allowing them ownership of land. enhance supply of food in the region, provide transfer of technology on state In a letter to the Kenya Land Alli- The area, together with River Yala have th been the community’s only source of of the art agriculture and business ance dated October 25 2005, a water for household use, farming and practices to the local employees, and group from the area, the Yala Swamp fishing. It serves as a site for many generally spur growth and develop- Riparian Community, raised objec- religious and cultural events including ment in the region. To the government, tions to what they see as an at- cleansing ceremonies. A number of it was to provide additional revenue tempt by Dominion investment group important herbal medicines are found through taxes and levies and become to annex their private parcels of in the swamp area too. an international research and training land while making references to the facility for Kenyan students. M.O.U it signed with the Siaya County A Case Study Research done in 2005 Council yet according to the secre by three eminent local scientists (Pro- tary of the group Mr. Alfred Otieno Areas of Conflicts Ayiro, that land is out of the scope of fessors Rasowo, Abila and Manyala) Various stakeholders have raised varied from the area and presently lecturers the said M.O.U as the M.O.U could objections and counter-objections to only touch on the Trust Land. at Maseno and Moi Universities identi- specific aspects of the project and at fied the area as host to a number of Their letter of objection talks of the times the project in its entirety. These firm fencing off land belonging to in- near extinct and endangered mammal, range from ecological, environmental, and bird species. These include the dividuals and evicting them, a strategy land usage and compensation to viabil- not captured in any agreement with swamp antelope, commonly known as ity of the proposed projects. the Sitatunga, the Sharp Pied Babller the firm.

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Multipurpose Dam have to walk around the perimeter of Environmental Concerns A visit to the swamp between the dates the now fenced off swamp, adding an A Stake holder’s Forum to discuss the of April 2nd and 5th 2006, by a host of extra 13 kilometres to their journey to Environmental Impact Assessment Re- stakeholders and Non-Governmental reach the shopping centre and hospital. port, EIA in Kisumu in December 2005 Organizations, (NGOs) accompanying By the time of the fact finding visit, a raised up to 95 objections on issues a fact-finding mission from the office of notice indicating the times in which touching on the environment. the Director General of the National the road is accessible to the public had Environmental Management Author- been put up as 6:30 AM to 6:30PM. The Dominion investment plan pro- ity, witnessed that the construction poses to built a number of processing of the multipurpose dam has already Ownership of Lake Kanyaboli, Lake plants and mills within the swamp area. started even before an environmental Namboyo and Lake Sare These include a rice mill, fish process- Impact Assessment is complete and Page 17 of the firm’s investment plan ing plant, feed mill, cotton ginnery, fuel complaints from the landowners in indicates that the firm intends to put storage and dispensing station, hydro question addressed. upto 800 fish culture cages in Lake electric power generators among Kanyaboli, as part of its aquaculture others. The management of the firm admitted initiative, a venture with a potential to have cleared the vegetation on the to lock out fishermen who depend The stakeholders felt that the capac- land despite protests from the locals, on the lake for livelihood as the cages ity of the swamp may not adequately cut down trees and burnt the grass, would have to be protected. Further support these, together with potential then temporarily closed the weir to that, the lake by virtue of being sur- of polluting the swamp and eventually on river Yala ostensibly to see how rounded by land that the firm has lease lake Victoria. They proposed the use much flooding as a result of backflows is likely to be fenced off and taken as of already built processing, milling and would be. property of the firm and not a com- ginnery infrastructures in the nearby munal property. centres of Ndere and Siaya town less Locals in whose land the dam is to be, than 10 kilometres from the site or fish however say this was a way of forcefully Resettlement and compensation processing plants in Kisumu Town. evicting them. We witnessed a number The issues of resettlement and com- of nearby farms that had been flooded pensation have not been thoroughly Local Politics and washed away, with the ‘community exhausted. During our visit to the area, Presently a lot of politics surrounds representative,’ Mr. Erastus Odindo we witnessed a number of families who the project. This has split the local echoing what he said was the bitter- had refused to take the compensation representatives into various camps. ness of his fellow land owners. ‘How money being offered claiming that it Some locals whose lands are to be can we benefit when our animals have was either too little or they weren’t taken view the local authorities as nowhere to graze, water is flooding properly involved in reaching at the collaborators in a ploy to rob them into our homes and destroying our figure. of their livelihoods, while a number farms and we now have no access to of local leaders see the locals as be- clean water?’ he posed when asked There was also no proper resettlement ing selfish and anti-development by what sort of benefits the community arrangement from the project owner refusing to give up their land for the hoped to get from the project. and from the Local Council. A number common good of the community. of community members also claim they Access Routes and Roads were intimidated into taking the money There is a claim that a number of According to the Dominion Investment by being informed by the area Chief stakeholders have been compro- Plan August 2005 Page 24 line 2, ‘Tight that their lands would go whether or mised to either support or not sup- security shall be put in place to prevent not they accepted the money. port the project. As such raising any the access area being a risk to the proj- issue on the project however genuine ect…the road may have to be closed There being no relocation arrange- it may be, one is quickly branded as to the public and access roads skirting ments, the community members who falling in the pro or anti – Dominion the farm maintained and improved.’ sold off their land are being accused The said road from Daraja transversing by those who didn’t of putting undue alignment. the main swamp to Ratuoro shopping pressure on the little available grazing centre and health facilities has led to a and farming lands, and this presents a standoff between the community and scenario of possible conflict. the firm. When closed the residents

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Challenges Facing The Nzoia River Basin

2 Chepkoilel River - Upstream Nzoia River Basin covers an area of 12,842 Km and drains through several districts on its way to Lake Victoria. These include Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia Districts in the Rift Valley Province, Mt. Elgon, Lugari, Teso, Bungoma, Kakamega, Butere-Mumias and Busia Districts in Western Province, and Siaya District- Nyanza Province. River Nzoia is 355 km long with a mean discharge of 118 m3/second and is the largest basin within the Lake Victoria Basin.

The river originates from Cherengany Hills and Mt Elgon at 4320 me- tres above sea level and is fed by several streams namely Kamukuywa, Sosio, Kimilili, Kibisi, Kuywa, Malakisi, Tisi, Lwakhakha, Suam, Kisawai and Kimothon among others. Generally the river flows very fast with radial to parallel drainage pattern on the upper and middle slopes respectively. On its way to the lake the river drains through small and large-scale maize and wheat farms, coffee plantations, Pan Paper Factory in Webuye, Nzoia Downstream and Mumias Sugar Factories.

A Source of Budalangi Flooding and Polluton of Lake Victoria Runoff from rural and urban centers from areas with mixed land use prac- tices are drained by the river before reaching the Budalangi floodplains. The river is known to cause two major problems; Firstly, the periodic flooding of the Budalangi floodplains which brings with it heavy silt from the deforested upper catchment areas. Secondly, pollution of Lake Vic- toria as the river drains areas with high agro-industrial activities where a wide range of chemicals including DAP, CAN, herbicides, pesticides, acaricides and persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Further, input of pollutants comes from improperly treated wastewater from industries and urban centers situated along the river which eventually drain into the lake. The wetlands found within the catchment of the Nzoia River Local populations should be encouraged to play a Basin differ depending on the section of the basin where they are found. bigger role in wetland ecosystem management Wetlands in the upper catchment are predominantly riverine in nature, found along the first order streams in the highland areas inter-copped

with natural and man-made dams and Wetlands in the River Nzoia Chepkoilel Wetland a few palustrine wetlands. The middle Basin Chepkoilel Wetland is a permanent section of the basin has mainly riverine River Nzoia is the central feature of all riverine wetland 10 km long and about wetlands but most of the palustrine the wetlands in the Nzoia basin. Most 700 m wide at the widest point with an wetlands have been reclaimed for wetlands either feed into the river or area of 5.6 Km2 and a catchment area of large-scale agriculture particularly in are formed as a result of water from 210 Km2. This wetland is used for live- the sugarcane growing zone of the ba- the river. It has multiple uses to the stock watering, water abstraction for sin. Palustrine / riverine wetlands again communities along it, which ranges irrigation at Equator flower farm and dominate the lower catchments where from subsistence to highly commercial smallholder horticulture production of swamps of different sizes are found. use. The river is the source of water vegetables and tomatoes. Domestically, to domestic riparian urban and rural it supplies water for livestock, provides Towards the banks, River Nzoia forms communities as well as to the major good grazing grounds, and is a resource a wide band of wetlands on both banks industries such as Panpaper Mills, Nzoia for bee keeping. Moi University uses it particularly between the river and and Mumias Sugar Companies acting for its fish farming, and discharge of the dykes constructed to contain the both as raw material, coolant and for domestic sewage wastewater. It also floodwaters. wastewater discharge.

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acts as an important wildlife habitat structed during the colonial days and is for birds and fish. The wetland serves approximately five hactares. a major role as it buffers agricultural Saiwa Swamp: A riverine / palus- inputs from the large-scale wheat and trine wetland which originates from maize plantations in its immediate the Kamakira forest and forms the catchment. Saiwa Swamp National Park, the only Threats Facing Chepkoilel Wetland protected wetland within the Nzoia The main threats it faces are: River Basin. - Encroachment for agricul Siaga Wetland: A riverine system ture. found on gently undulating topography. - Reclamation by planting of The wetland begins at Mauna dam and Eucalyptus trees at the banks. runs downstream along Gaula stream - Chemical pollution from to drain directly into Nzoia River. flower farms. Mauna dam dates back to the colonial Kiptoror Stream - Sewage and aquaculture era and it is presently serving as a gov- waste discharges and ernment piped water scheme. - Appearance of invasive Nyasanda Wetland: Lies in a shallow plant species. U-shaped valley and receives its water Budalangi wetland:The entire Bu- from a number of underground springs dalangi Division fits the classification oozing from the foot of the small hills of a wetland as the division is season- on the upstream of the wetland as well ally under water particularly during as from the surface runoff. the periodic floods that occur in the Other Wetlands in the Nzioia Basin area when the Nzoia River bursts its are: banks. It can be grouped as a palus- 1. Kaplogoi Stream trine wetland. However, the system is 2. Sosiot wetland composed of heterogeneous wetland 3. Kaptule Wetland habitats consisting of the main Nzoia 4. Kapkis Wetland River, the Nzoia river floodplains, open 5. Sergoit Dam / Lake Sergoit Saiwa Swamp pools and swamps up to the mouth of 6. Kerita swamp Nzoia River into L.Victoria. The wet- 7. Kholera stream land area is found in Budalangi Division, 8. Saf Stream Wetland 9. Ukwala wetlands Busia District. and site-specific wetland 10. Nambusi Wetland Maji Mazuri Wetland:This is a large management plans to take care of 11. Kisama Wetland expansive natural palustrine wetland the many wetland ecosystems which 2 12. Tande Wetland about 12 Km located in Soi Division occur in non protected areas. 13. Kipsaina and that acts as an important bird habitat Although wetland ecology and 14. Anyiko Wetland especially to the endangered Crested management courses exist in some Crane and provides water for com- government or private institutions, Status of Wetland Conservation mercial use to the Maji Mazuri Roses there is lack of co-ordination and and Management in the Lake Flower Farm (Sian Roses Limited) integration of these courses in the Victoria Basin Ziwa-Sirikwa Dam: These are a formal educational curriculum. The Government of Kenya to date series of permanent lacustrine man- Awareness creation on conservation has put in place certain frameworks made wetlands that were established and wise use of wetlands to date has to address conservation and wise around 1968 to provide water both been mainly done by both national use of wetland ecosystems. The for domestic use and for a sisal factory and international NGO’s. downstream. existence of these frameworks however may not create the desired Soin/Kiptoror stream and dam: It is important to note that the wet impact as long as there is no This is a permanent riverine wetland land policy currently under formula national wetland policy in place. that is a tributary to Chepkoilel River. tion is the second one, the first Secondly there are attempts to It has a dam which is a permanent having been done by the KWS – institute people-driven provincial man-made lacustrine wetland con- Netherlands Wetland Conservation

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Programme. It is time to pressurize River Nzoia Challenges to Conservation and for a wetland policy as soon as Management of the River Nzoia possible to stop the current abuse of wetlands wetland ecosystems. 1. Land Ownership/Tenure Most wetlands in non-protected areas Additional Initiatives on Wetlands occur in land owned by individuals, Management trust land and communal lands. Land i)Capacity Enhancement tenure essentially defines the rules and To enhance wetland management social contracts whereby individuals skills in the country, the government and groups acquire, hold, transfer or has included wetland education into transmit interests and rights in land the curricula of various learning tenure. Changes in land tenure have re- institutions. Some education sulted in a lack of land use coordination and awareness materials are now and environmental insecurity. Perceived available in different institutions in free access to land on a ‘willing buyer, various forms and formats like books, willing seller’ basis and free choice of brochures, pamphlets and land use combined with a single-use newsletters targeting various philosophy has exacerbated wetland stakeholders. A number of loss and degradation. awareness programmes are also in place, however given the existing low 2. Land Use Trends literacy level, most of these initiatives Over a period of time there have been are not reaching the resource users Its course with a healthy buffer zone some major changes in land use. These who are the majority and the most changes have, mainly been due to agri- important stakeholders. plans have been developed for cultural and land use policies that have various wetland sites like Nakuru, severely affected the environment re- ii) Recognition of local Naivasha and Saiwa to ensure their sulting in wetland loss and degradation. communities in wetland sustainable use. Without the full Reclamation of wetlands for agricul- management participation of the communities, tural development is the biggest threat EMCA recognizes the role of management plans remain mere to national wetland conservation and local communities and has documents. This can be seen from management. Reclamation is perceived established a legal framework that the Lake Naivasha and Saiwa Swamp as a form of positive development that empowers local communities to be Management plans which are not is frequently misguided in the sense actively involved in wetland issues in achieving the desired objectives. that greater productivity would result form of various committees and a from not leaving the wetlands intact right to a clean environment. iv) Funding and managing them properly than from However, the level of awareness is The Government of Kenya through reclaiming them. A case in point that still very low making the full participa various local and national institutions needs urgent attention is the ongoing tion of the local communities difficult. has availed some funding to various large-scale reclamation of Yala Swamp authorities to ensure wetlands are in the Lake Victoria basin, which threat- iii)International collaboration conserved for posterity. For Lake ens to destroy ecological status of the Kenya is signatory to various Victoria Basin, this includes bilateral largest wetland in the region. international conventions like the and multilateral arrangements like Ramsar and CBD, that are relevant to the Lake Victoria Environmental 3. Wetlands Use and Planning international collaboration on the Management Programme (LVEMP) There exist many statutes in Kenya that management of wetlands and their through the wetlands component. relate to land and environment. These resources. This has seen some However given the issues to be were enacted independent of each wetland sites in the Rift Valley like sorted out in wetland conservation other and are being implemented by Lakes Naivasha, Nakuru, Bogoria and management, the resources various government departments and and Baringo being conserved under available are too minimal and it will institutions. Despite the existence of these conventions’ guidelines. take a long time to feel the impact of these many legal instruments, there has Consequently, various management such interventions. never been proper and comprehensive land use planning. Instead activities have

10 LAND UPDATE JANUARY -MARCH 2006

been co-ordinated largely at the sec- use of print and mass media, and de- Challenges Facing Trans-bound- toral level. The consequence of this has liberate inclusion of wetland manage- ary Wetlands been increasing conflicts among differ- ment and wise use principles in both Firstly, there is lack of exchange of ent sectors of the government regard- curricula and extra-curricula activities information amongst and between ing conflicting use and activities leading of formal school system. stakeholders. Secondly, lack of con- to wetland loss and degradation. trol of point and non-point pollution International Wetland Day celebration sources across national borders. Inadequacy of legal provisions, incen- should be used to create awareness to There is also lack of awareness on tives and disincentives with regard the wider public. Wetland ecology and anthropogenic impacts of upstream- to the sustainable wetland conserva- management courses at the universi- downstream linkages on biodiversity tion and management can also lead ties and tertiary institutions such as and livelihood of riparian communi- to unco-ordinated and unsustainable Kenya Wildlife Service Training Institute ties. Finally, inadequate maintenance of land use and sectoral conflicts. Lack (KWSTI) should be strengthened to wetland ecosystems, species of plants of institutional coordination mecha- give wetland managers and policy mak- and animals especially those whose nism and lack of awareness of policies ers a strong foundation. distribution covers adjoining countries relating to land by the public and lack e.g. establishment of protected areas of their participation in land use policy 6. Inadequate Policies and Insti- and regulating utilization of biological formulation and amendments are other tutional Framework resources especially along migration grey areas. Policy documents and their implemen- routes of birds, fish and other animals. tation are critical in harmonizing the Develop ment of management plans for 4. Inadequate Funding Sources various aspects relating to wetland use trans-boundary wetlands is extremely Funding wetland management and con- and development. In Kenya policies and important as a first step towards servation strategies has remained the legislation on wetlands are embodied sustainable wetland resource preserve of international donor com- and inscribed in about 77 sectoral sec- conservation. Local communities munity and NGOs with very minimal tions of various Acts. This has resulted from both sides should be involved contribution from the government. into duplications and conflicts. to ensure a shared vision and This has given rise to haphazard and national and regional commitment. unco-ordinated programmes most of To harmonize these, the country has which end before attaining sustainabil- developed EMCA. Section 42 of this Prioritization of Sustainable Man- ity level. A deliberate effort needs to Act deals with wetlands. Though the agement Strategies be put in place to ensure coordination country has the relevant policy that It is imperative that community-driven and continuity of wetland conserva- can guide wetland conservation, the wetland management plans be devel- tion programmes being run by all complete implementation and enforce- oped at national provincial and site stakeholders. ment of EMCA is still lacking. specific levels. In so doing, attention should be paid to ensure the following 5. Inadequate Public Education 7. National, Provincial and Site- guiding principles are addressed ad- and Awareness specific Management Plans equately. Interventions should aim at: A wide variety of education and aware- Management plans guide management - Maintaining the essential values / ness materials are available in different decisions and interventions. Lack of functions of the different wetland institutions in various forms. Much of national and provincial wetland-specific types. these however are in hard copies and management plans has seen wetlands available to the users in form of books, integrity being compromised and mis- - Preserving their multi-functionality. brochures, pamphlets and newsletters. used due to the failure to apply wetland In other places the information is in wise use principles. -Taking into account co-rrelations audiovisual forms and not available to between wetlands and other most of the stakeholders especially the This has seen important wetlands like ecosystems. local community. Yala Swamp being turned into ecologi- cally mismanaged ecosystems where - Involving rural, wetland dependent Since most wetlands occur in the rural their socio-economic potential is communities in their management. areas, some form of extension services compromised should be put in place to create aware- - Integrating conservation and ness in these areas. These should make development activities for sustainable use.

11 LAND UPDATE JANUARY -MARCH 2006

The need for Securing Wetlands as Common Property Resources The Common Nature of Wetlands and their Importance Millions of Kenyans live and actively is significant. If socio-cultural and as a sure means of improving the use wetlands as common pool goods, non-consumptive values are factored effectiveness of the management of justifiably so because wetlands are in, then wetlands as commons play an wetland as common pool resources. classified by National Law or specifi- even more significant role in the lives Thus, while broad principles may be cally Government Lands Act as public of the rural poor. Women in particular best established at the national level, lands, which in many places are actively are often primary gatherers and collec- enforcement requires well defined managed by their inhabitants through tors of products from the commons mechanisms that are backed by the common property arrangements. In- especially wetlands. It is crucial that state, and specific rules and regulations deed to many Kenyans wetlands are this access is not impeded but indeed should respond to cultural, political and often left open for livestock grazing, strengthened, secured and enhanced ecological demands at local levels. fishing, and as all-inclusive small-scale not only to sustain and improve liveli- irrigation areas at different times. hoods, but also to provide communi- This means they should be adopted and ties with the incentives necessary for implemented at the lowest possible The physical nature of wetlands as a conserving the wetlands as common level of governance. Management of natural resource presents difficulties resource base upon which they depend. policies affecting wetlands as common in excluding other users, yet the selfish Legally recognized property rights to pool resources should define the broad use of the wetland resource by one wetlands as shared resource would processes of rights allocation and con- user decreases the availability of the provide users with incentives to man- flict resolution. It is important to high- same to others. However, just because age the wetlands sustainably. Wetlands light the state’s role in defending local they are accessed and managed by as common property have often been rights against outsiders and arbitrating many users does not mean that wet- referred to as private property of a between groups when local systems lands as common property resource group, however with one important are unable to resolve conflicts. are automatically subject to overuse distinction: such regimes often recog- and degradation. To the contrary, wet- nize the rights of secondary or tran- Secondly, it is essential for state recog- lands users in Kenya like elsewhere sient resource users, such as seasonal nition of common property systems to in the world have defined rules and grazing or foraging. enable those who depend on wetlands evolved norms for the regulation and as commons to reap the benefits from conservation of the shared wetland To manage wetlands as commons, users these areas. To minimize or deflect resource. create rules or employ existing norms, external pressures and threats on the often based on custom, to specify who commons, it is essential that common The wetlands overuse and degradation can benefit from the resource and properties whether wetlands, forests, are largely associated with various how, including their duties towards fisheries, pasture rangelands, wildlife pressures such as privatization, indi- maintaining the wetlands. If secure from or minerals are formally recognized. vidualization, and commercialization external pressures, common property The commons, much more than indi- coupled with state appropriation regimes can provide communities of vidually-held properties, are at risk of in favour of private developers and users with the necessary incentives appropriation from external and inter- damming among others. Wetlands for sustainable wetland management. nal actors, usually without adequate as commons fulfill religious, cultural If indeed individuals within the group compensation for users. While formal and recreational functions, but are of are secure in their membership in recognition can include registration particular importance for securing the the group and are assured that oth- of rights of all users as a means of livelihoods of poorer or disadvantaged ers will abide by the rules, they will securing their access and use rights, it groups in the society, including women have an incentive to comply with the does not necessarily mean that group and landless people. Although the rules and standards crucial for group resources can subsequently be used value generated by the use and sale functioning. as collateral. Records of rights should of diverse products from wetlands Policy implications include secondary rights- such as sea- as commons is not quantified in our KLA holds the position and proposes sonal rights or rights to exploit only national development statistics, it is es- that for wetlands as commons to be specific resources in an area – and the timated to be substantial. Quite clearly, secured, there is a need to devolve ways different user groups negotiate wetlands contribution to rural incomes authority to the lowest level possible their rights with each other.

12 LAND UPDATE JANUARY -MARCH 2006

However, it should be noted that may generate benefits, which diversify relations. The Yala swamp territorial strengthening individual property the range of livelihoods options as a space have very different meanings to rights over wetlands can undermine basis for strengthening community different people and groups. We in the existence of the commons. When solidarity and incentives for shared KLA increasingly hear that ‘Land is Life’ strengthening private individual rights resource management. or in Swahili ‘Ardhi ni Uhai,’ reflecting over wetlands, third party effects need Lastly, from where we stand within the idea that land is more than just a to be taken into consideration as sec- KLA membership our solid proposal commodity, an economic asset, or an ondary use rights might be cut off or is that securing the commons requires investment opportunity. Land, like that undermined. Mechanisms should be empowering local communities to deal of Yala swamp, in fact, is not merely a established for these users to obtain with outsiders. The commons do not livelihood source; it is the basis of peo- a share in the benefits or receive ad- exist in isolation, but are integrated ple’s identity, culture, social standing equate, just and prompt compensation. into national and global economies. and helps to establish their powers to Rights registration systems that seek However, local people cannot maintain represent and defend their interests in to minimize restrictions on resource their common resources if powerful the formation of public policy. transfer may seem to be more efficient, outsiders can take/exploit and extract but if they do not accommodate the the resources with impunity. Yala swamp, we insist, is better and rights of other customary users, they effectively used on a collective basis may reduce both equity and overall Outside investors can be an impor- rather than being divided in portions productivity of wetland resource tant source of funds and expertise to invariably leading to ecologically unsus- systems. enhance the value of resources, e.g. tainable units, even in situation of locat- through ecotourism, but efforts are ing a highly ambitious agricultural and Devising strategies and mechanisms often needed to build the capacity of industrial set up where large amounts to strengthen group institutions, and communities to negotiate with outsid- of land is required to be allocated to making sure they are accountable ers so that their resources are not used individuals. Very important resources and transparent for all members, can without their informed consent, and lo- like Yala exists to: increase overall security of commons. cal people receive an appropriate share a) Provide resources - such as water It is well-established that secure rights of the benefits. International policy – that are not as effective when made for the collective are important in debates, including trade discussions, available privately. common property systems. should also recognize and respect b) Provide fall back in hard times like other forms of property other than during droughts and On the other hand insufficient se- individual property. c) Allow people to exploit their private curity for individuals may destabilize resources effectively. group functioning and effectiveness Position of Kenya Land The debate on use of Yala Swamp, does of collective institutions, even where Alliance on Yala Wetland common properties may be officially not consistently reflect the diversity of supported and encouraged. Individual KLA holds a position that for thousands viewpoints of land and its role in devel- security within a collective setting of Yala Swamp rural poor people, the opment. This can have the negative and requires effective enforcement and use of the swamp as a common prop- often unintended effect of excluding conflict resolution mechanisms. Thus, erty resource governs their livelihoods. the concerns of poor men and women creating a climate of transparency Therefore, the sustainable use of the from policy consideration. All in all, we and accountability will provide group swamp to reduce poverty depends advocate for securing of Yala swamp as members with assurance that they will on institutions like NEMA, Water and a common property resource which receive benefits from taking care of the Agricultural ministries, Fisheries de- requires that: commons. partment among others, that govern - The Group (residents contingent) has its use, property rights and collective rights that are externally recognised Fostering innovative ways to diversify action. Despite the existing arrange- and protected as is the case for private the livelihoods of commons users can ments, which should help in applying property. help reach both equity and environ- already tested standard including a - Individuals are secure in their mem- mental stewardship objectives. There- sound understanding of local resource bership in the group and fore, there is a need to actively seek conditions and relationships, the - The Group has effective mecha- income generating opportunities for contentious investment project plan nisms to regulate investment and use communities by identifying and sup- is compromising all. Simply put, Yala of the commons to provide assur- porting community enterprises that Swamp encompasses many complex ance that resources will still be there social, economic, cultural and political in the future.

13 LAND UPDATE JANUARY -MARCH 2006

FACTS

Did you know that...

Most plastics are made up of tiny passes through the body unchanged), Trees do not have life expectancies particles (usually 1 to 3 mm) called which causes havoc in many marine and like humans. Some in the Congo Basin “nurdles”. When plastic degrades, fresh water ecosystems. are believed to be 4,000 years old or especially on the open ocean, where more. How can trees live so long? an astounding volume of plastic has accumulated over the past few dec- The simple answer is that they are ades, these particles are released. Even extremely small concentrations, not as complex as people. So long of oestrogen can cause male sea life as conditions are right, trees contin- Other plastics are also battered by to become female, with predictable ue to live and grow, until something wind, waves and the energy from sun- consequences for reproductive success interrupts it. light, and end up breaking into even in affected populations! smaller micro-particles. Plastic pol- lution, including the extremely small pieces of plastic pose an unknown On average Russians use about 500 but rapidly increasing threat to many liters of water per capita per day kinds of sea life. It is already so ad- - compared to 200 liters in Europe vanced (scarcely 50 years after they and 120 in Germany. An aging, leak- first became commonly used), that in ing infrastructure and inefficient in- some areas of the open ocean, there dustrial facilities are largely to blame are six times as much plastic as there for Russia’s profligate water usage. are plankton (tiny sea animals. )

One would have to be willfully blind to declare that plastic pollution is not a serious and rapidly increasing Recent studies indicate that up to 24 n acre of trees can remove about threat to the health of our planet’s A billion tonnes of topsoil is lost annu- thirteen tonnes of dust and gases world-ocean. Animals such as plank- ally from the world’s arable land, due every year from surrounding ton, jellyfish, turtles and seabirds to poor agricultural practices. environment. ingest plastic in its various forms, and their digestive tracts are clogged up with the indigestible pieces, which provide absolutely no nutrition. An even more dangerous effect of plastic pollution results from animals’ ability to absorb large amounts of toxic sub- stances such as arsenic, DDE (a long- lasting product of DDT), antibiotics, and chemicals such as oestrogen from birth control pills (oestrogen

14 LAND UPDATE JANUARY -MARCH 2006

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

We write to thank you for copies sold it to their poor kinsmen with total of Land Update and posters you have disregard to the original owners who regularly sent to Namuncha Maasai had no idea what was going on then. Send your views, opinions Community. The views and arguments Consequently, we are likely to witness raised in the October-December 2005 many more pockets of land clashes, or contributions to the issue constitute ingredients that make unless urgent remedial steps are taken. Editor, Kenya Land the framework of a good National Land We at Namuncha Maasai Commu- Policy. However, we pray that KLA fo- nity suggest an appointment of a Land Alliance, P.O Box 2177- cuses on the issue of ‘Displacement of Reconciliation Committee (LARECO) people as a result of Land Clashes.’ whose responsibility will be to identify 20100 Nakuru and we will cases of land disputes, mobilize relevant include them in our next In the 1990’s we thought land clashes communities to reconcile them and was as a result of KANUISM. NARC is arrive at decisions on the best way issue. in power now yet land clashes are still to share land under dispute and then a frequent phenomenon. Every other advice the government on implementa- week, we are informed of clashes in Rift tion and the forms of compensations Valley. We know that the government to be paid out in order to eradicate of the day will always run to battle sites land clashes once and for all. to separate warring groups, which is good and commendable. However, we Paul Tuukuo OGW notice that as soon as the smoke of Co-ordinator, Water Project burning houses settle down, and blood Namuncha Maasai Community of the dead dries up, the issue is quickly forgotten just to be remembered when it re-occurs elsewhere.

Land clashes are caused by historical injustice of land distribution. Com- munities lost their ancestral land to I would like to acknowledge with many fellow members of Kenya Land Alliance white settlers who evicted them from thanks copies of the Land Update organizations throughout the country the highlands to the arid and semi-arid and other relevant circulars, which for which, as stakeholders, we are ready areas with insignificant signs of devel- have been useful to my organization, to contribute satisfactorily to for the opmental activities like schools, health especially in matters relating to land sake of public awareness. facilities, roads, water, and electricity. administration, environment and natu- Then came the black settlers in the ral resources. Enoch J. Guru name of post independence leaders, Chairman freedom fighters, land buying com- It is through such publications that Western Environment and Land panies and squatters, who took over the public can learn and know their Reform Alliance (K) land without considering its original land rights. I am sure, through Land owners. The wish of the black settlers Update, we shall be able to continue is to maintain the Status Quo designed to share views in land matters with our by colonialists.

Those of us, who lived in the Rift Valley in the 60’s, witnessed the scramble for To The Editor, Land Update ‘free’ land in Nakuru District. Some Kenya Land Alliance individuals and groups were given land as gifts while others out of guilt, evicted white settlers from their farms and

15 LAND UPDATE JANUARY -MARCH 2006

NEWS

ALL WERE INVOLVED IN The nominated Member of Parliament MT. ELGON FOREST EVICTEES FOREST DESTRUCTION BUT also said that to ensure that current and COMPLAIN OF TORTURE GOVERNMENT WAS THE future governments desist from taking part in scandals such as land grabbing, An event that begun as an operation of GREATEST CULPRIT the citizens must ensure it settles and dispossessing of residents of illegal fire- compensates those who were settled arms turned into an eviction exercise in there, reclaims the forest and ensures Chepyuk and Kipsigon area of Mt. Elgon. The Government is the greatest culprit people are never allowed in forests According to a Christian organization and should take responsibility for the again. working in the area, Catholic Justice and destruction of forests in the country, says Peace Commission-CJPC-Kitale, the evic- Councillor Kelena Ole Nchoe of Naisoya tions begun December last year, but has ward, Narok. COMMUNITIES NOW ABLE been ongoing since. The exercise has left many people homeless, with some seek- TO PARTICIPATE IN FOREST The Civic leader reiterates that the ing refuge at Batenga, Kaptum, Sarya, and wanton and immense destruction of the MANAGEMENT Cheptanda in Emya Location. According a forests that has brought about destruction representative of the displaced persons Mr. of water catchments, declining water levels Communities will now be able to par- Joseph Kapkara, a school in the area with in the wetlands and continued famine in ticipate in the management of forests, close to 350 students out of whom 15 are the country, could only have been done according to the new Forest Act, 2005, KCPE candidates has been shut down. He under the eye of the Government. through forming community forest as- further provided CJPC- Kitale with names sociations. There is, however, a condition- of 300 families with a total of 1,500 per- During the stakeholder consultative meet- For community groups to manage forests sons he claims had been displaced. While ing on the management and conservation on collaboration with the Kenya Forest the Conservator of Forests had demar- of the Mau Complex, organized by Action- Service, they must be registered forest cated the area as forest land, the security Aid Nakuru, from 15th to 17th March 2006, associations and have a constitution. They department identified it for settlement. Cllr. Kelena pointed out that since the will need to enter into contractual agree- This points to unclear policy guidelines and Government was responsible for issuing ments with the Kenya Forest Service on directions from the government. titles on forest land, they permitted the how they will manage and benefit from excision and settlement that led to the the forests. They will also need to have There were also reported incidents of degradation of forests. concrete management plans on how they torture and intimidation over land in the area. The deputy headmaster of Chepyuk will manage the forests. The Government must, therefore, revoke Primary School was one of those arrested all titles issued and resettle the people on 26th of January on claims that he was in Through such involvement, communities allocated the forestland elsewhere and possession of a firearm or had information will be able to prevent unlawful and hap- spearhead efforts to reclaim Kenya’s water pertaining to illegal firearms. He recounted hazard forest excisions, as a way of con- catchments, efforts that will be compli- being taken to Kipsigon police station then serving the forests, for their benefit and mented by communities and others in the to Kapsokwony. He alongside 59 others others who are dependent on forests. Civil Society and Private Sector. were interrogated and released without charge. He claims a number of educated The Government, through the Ministry of Hon. Kipkalya Kones, who was the Chief persons from his minority community Environment and Natural Resources and Guest, added on that we were all involved were being targeted by the local adminis- departments has a duty and responsibility in the destruction, particularly communi- tration for raising their voices against land to ensure the proper management, use ties who watched on as trucks carried problems in the area and the arrests were and conservation of forests. loads of wood without raising objections. meant to intimidate and silence them. In “The greatest problem is not whether we the recent past there have been a number The forest department can only imple- need to conserve the Mau Forests, but of such evictions in areas like Likia in ment the decisions made at the ministry, how we will reclaim the forestland and Nakuru, Timau in Mt. Kenya Forest, Mau whose officials must develop legal and resettle the people elsewhere. We must Narok, Kipkurere in Nandi, Uasin Gishu policy frameworks that will not only identify who the main culprit is… and that District and Burnt Forest. Whereas we do restore the lost glory of our water is the Government through the Commis- recognise forest areas as key resources to catchments but also ensure the needs sioner of Lands, who illegally issued title be protected, we ask the authorities to and interests of communities are not deeds on forestland,” he says. handle such eviction exercises in a humane forgotten in the process. and just manner.

Published by the Kenya Land Alliance, C.K. Patel Building, 6th Floor, Kenyatta Avenue Nakuru, Kenya. P.O Box 2177-20100 Nakuru. Tel.: 254-51-2210398 Telefax: 254-51-2215982 E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] Website: www.kenyalandalliance.or.ke 16