KFS Board Inaugurated

A Quartely Magazine of the Kenya Forest Service Issue No. 15 : January - June 2015

KFS Board Inaugurated Kenya and Tanzania Sign Pact to Curtail Illegal Movement of Forest Produce Western Regime Tree Planting Kicks Off Forest Rangers Recruited THE FORESTER :: JANUARY -JUNE 2015 1 FROM THE EDITOR In this issue of the Forester Magazine, we cover news and feature stories touching on activities that took place in the last three months and a forecast of activities that will take place within the year. The Service continues in its quest to ensure the security and continuity of our country’s forests as one of its mandates, forest areas which continue to be subject to various forms of destruction. In conjunction with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Natural Resources and the World Bank, the Service also continues to facilitate dialogue and foster cooperation with forest adjacent communities for the continued sustainable management of forests. Towards this, a number of Forest Management Agreements have been successfully signed and launched across the country with the latest Plan being launched in Jilore Forest Block, Kilifi County. The Service also continues to implement the Green Schools programme together with the Ministry of Environment in an initiative geared towards increasing the country’s tree cover as well as as- sisting public schools generate extra income through commercial forestry. Earlier this year, the Service began an exercise involving all County Governments geared towards transferring devolved forestry functions to Counties. Towards this, a number of regional workshops took place in various parts of the country to help kick off the Transitional Implementation Plans (TIPs) as required by the Constitution. We also feature an array of exciting Ecotourism sites and activities in Kenya’s forests, the signing of a Memorandum of Un- derstanding between Kenya Forest Service and the Tanzanian For- est Service towards trade in forest products, marking of the Inter- national Day of Forests among others. For these and more, I welcome you to read and enjoy your copy of the Forester Magazine. Please feel free to give us your feedback regarding the Magazine and any other issues touching on forestry. Happy reading! A bamboo water catchment in Mount Kenya Forest Anne Kaari

EDITORIAL TEAM IN THIS ISSUE

EDITOR 03 - DIRECTORS FORWARD - Anne Kaari SUB EDITORS 04 - LEAD STORY - Charles Ngunjiri 06 - NEWS ROUND-UP - Leakey Sonkoyo 11 - FEATURES STAFF WRITERS 14 - PICTORIALS - Alfred J. Kinyanjui - Caroline Kahuria 16 - FEATURES - Lydia Ogada 19 - PROJECT NEWS - Michael Muratha 20 - CROSS CUTTING ISSUES - Pamela Gatwiri - Susan Ndethiu 21 - FEATURES - Sylvia Wishenga 22 - COMMENTARY CONTRIBUTORS 23 - STATION PROFILE - Alfred Gichu 25 - SPORTS NEWS - Jerome Mwanzia - Monicah Ruto 26 - FROM THE FILES - Tito Okello 27 - LEISURE - Pauline Mwende 28 - KNOW YOUR TREES DESIGN - [email protected] DISCLAIMER PRINTERS - Wiltech Communication Printers 2 THE FORESTER :: JANUARY - JUNE 2015 WORDWORD FROMFROM THETHE DIRECTORDIRECTOR KFS urges the public to plant trees during the rainy season The country is currently marking the long rains season. This is an opportune time to plant trees and increase the country’s tree cover. The rainy season is also one of the most important in the Kenya Forest Service’s (KFS) calendar because this is when we do most of our planting to offset the backlog in the commercial plantations. It is also a time when tree growers across the country plant trees on their farms for future commercial purposes.

The Service thus takes advantage of the rains to urge Kenyans to plant trees in all suitable areas. Forest officers right up to the Division level are available to offer technical support to farmers on the best tree species and also on the most suitable sites to plant. This year’s National Tree Planting Launch took place in Bungoma County and was presided over by the Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Natural Resources Prof. Judi Wakhungu. The running theme for this year’s tree planting season is; ‘For a green economy, wakenya tupande miti.’ This theme em- bodies our aspiration as a country to turn our economy into a sustainable one by growing trees for economic development.

As you might be aware, His Excellency the President recently appointed Board Members to fill vacant positions in most of the Para- statals’ Boards of Management. The Board will play a critical role in executing several agendas that have been pending. They will also help in formulating policies to guide the Service in executing its mandate in the new Constitutional dispensation which has brought on board devolution of certain functions previously performed by the National Government. Emilio Mugo KFS Acting Director

BE THE LUCKY WINNER!!! LETTER TO THE EDITOR Yet again, I would like to take this opportunity to write this special letter KFS will be awarding one lucky winner of the ‘Star Letter’ . to the KFS editorial team and the organization for the good work and Write to us with your comments and queries for a chance to positive strategies towards improving and reviving forest conservation win the below branded merchandise. in our country, especially how you teach farmers essential tools on how to integrate forestry programs that help reforestation in Kenya.

Following the letter I received from your Head of Corporate Communi- cations as a response to my first letter, I was able to visit a Forest Station in Nyeri. While there I met committed and passionate Foresters who taught me about tree nursery preparation. I was also impressed to learn about the commitment from the KFS Senior management to the local level in matters concerning the well being of forests. This in turn encouraged me to start a tree nursery and practice silviculture.

I cannot hesitate to congratulate KFS for the fantastic job you’re doing for Kenyans and because of this you are role models to other like minded corporate and individual organizations.

Charles Ngari Githaiga Mukurwe-ini Nyeri

THE FORESTER :: JANUARY -JUNE 2015 3 LEAD STORY

KFS Ag. Director Emilio Mugo (centre right) and Chief Executive Officer Tanzania Forest Service Juma Mgoo (centre left) exchange signed MoU documents on monitoring of Forest Products and Trade at the Kenya-Tanzania border. They are flanked by Principal Secretary State Department of Environment and Natural Resources Dr. Richard Lesiyampe (far right) among other senior Tanzanian Government officials. Kenya and Tanzania Sign Pact to Curtail Illegal Movement of Forest Produce By Michael Muratha tween Tanzania and Kenya has revealed that revenue loss in the two countries could that the trade in forests products between be attributed to undervaluation of forest Trans-boundary illegal trade in tim- the two countries has amounted to a loss of products in recorded data and export docu- ber has underpinned forest conservation and USD 10,000 annually to Kenya. The study has ments against the actual value of products ex- government revenue collection efforts for also revealed that KSh 14 billion is lost from ported. The Forest Law 2000, Forest Act 2005, quite a period of time. In response to this il- under-evaluation of timber and poles, un- Timber Act-Cap 386 and regulations that are legal trade, the Government of the United recorded volumes of timber, illegal charcoal under the administration of Tanzania and Ken- Republic of Tanzania through the Tanzania business, illegal harvesting and selling of logs ya Forest Service exist to provide the overar- Forest Services Agency and the Government across the Kenya Tanzania border. ching framework for such regulations of forest of Kenya through Kenya Forest Service have Speaking during the signing cere- products at the border’s points. agreed to enter into a Memorandum of Un- mony Chief Executive Officer Tanzania Forest The agreement goes further to out- derstanding which they signed recently to Services Juma Mgoo noted that the signed line cooperative measures to help improve help in sustainable forest management and MoU aimed at improving forest management the management of critical forest resources legal trade in forest products. and governance as pertains to trans-boundary in the two countries. The MOU between the The memorandum of understand- trade in forest products. Mgoo went ahead two countries has a great potential to mitigate ing also signed on the basis of the new forest to say that forests in both countries were un- further negative environmental and social im- cooperation agreement is set to improve the der increasing pressure and their degradation pacts of the illegal forest products trade in the effectiveness tactics to tackle the rampant il- threatened to hurt the economies and nega- region. legal logging and timber trade across the bor- tively impact the quality of life for most citi- At the closure of the MOU signing a num- der of this two countries. zens especially those living in rural areas. ber of recommendations were agreed upon In his remarks Kenya Forest Service including strengthening the private sector To grace the signing occasion were various Acting Director Emilio Mugo noted that the capacity for viable timber trade, through in- dignitaries including Principal Secretary State agreement outlined cooperative measures formation sharing between the authorities Department of Environment and Natural Re- to help improve the management of critical and private sector, Kenya Forest Service and sources Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, Acting Direc- forest resources in the two countries. He also Tanzania Forest Services should hold regular tor KFS Emilio Mugo, Chief Executive Officer noted that the MOU was an effort to manage dialogue meetings, laws and regulations on of the Tanzania Forest Services Juma Mgoo forest resources in a more sustainable man- trade of wood and forest products should be among other senior KFS and TFS officials. ner together with Tanzania. clearly outlined to the public. A study on the trade in forest products be- Field observations and records have shown

4 THE FORESTER :: JANUARY - JUNE 2015 LEAD STORY

Principal Secretary State Department of Environment and Natural Resources Dr. Richard Lesiyampe introduces leaders of Forest Dependant communities during the workshop. MEWNR Undertakes National Dialogue for Forest Dependent Communities

By Charles Ngunjiri Forest Programme with policy and program- communities, capacity building and legitimi- ming content for Government’s engagement zation of their decision through their elected The Ministry of Environment, Wa- with forest dependent communities. leaders. ter and Natural Resources (MEWNR) recently The forum provided for the culmi- The Government through the Min- held a dialogue forum with forest dependent nation of a series of engagements and occa- istry of Environment, Water and Natural Re- communities, in a bid to accelerate citizen sional confrontation between forest depen- sources was in agreement with community participation in decision making, overall de- dent communities and the Government of concerns and approved the need to explore velopment practice and affirmative action for Kenya, on-going Government efforts under efforts to establish a programmatic, policy marginalized communities in natural resource the National Forest Programme to provide a and legislative framework to address their management. robust multi-stakeholder, inter-agency and concerns in both the short and long term. The objective of the dialogue in- cross-sectoral framework for development of cluded discussing the memoranda provided the forestry sector in the country, which also by the forest dependent communities from recognizes the rights and contributions of in- the 10 select counties in Baringo, Bungoma, digenous peoples and local communities and Elgeyo Marakwet, Kericho, Nakuru, Nan- their dependence on forests. “Communities called for di, Narok, Transzoia, Uasin Gishu and West Communities called for the protec- Pokot, identification and building consensus tion of sacred sites and co-management of the protection of sacred on priorities that the National Government forests resources, establishment of a robust sites and co-management and Counties can address over the immedi- and accessible mechanism for follow-up of ate, medium and long term in tandem with proposed actions and for monitoring the im- of forest resources” the vision 2030, elaboration of the priority plementation by the Government. It was evi- areas identified into work plans for financing dent from the dialogue that the Government and implementation and providing a National will continue to engage forest dependent

THE FORESTER :: JANUARY -JUNE 2015 5 NEWS ROUND UP

Standing from left- Cap. John Miriti, Board Member, Kodia Bisia (representing Director General NEMA), Kennedy Ondiek (representing the National Treasury), Benjamin Karu (representing Director General KWS), Dr. Gelas Simiyu, Board Member Amb. Julius Kandie (representing Principal Secretary Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources), B. K. Sang, Board Member. Sitted from left- Bruno Linyiru- Director General Inspectorate of State Corporations, Dr. Ben Chikamai Director, KEFRI, Emilio Mugo, Ag, Director, KFS, Prof. Judi Wakhungu Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Peter Kirigua, Board Chairman, John Ngethi, Board Member, Dr. Christopher Gakahu, Board Member. Third Kenya Forest Service Board of Management Inaugurated The third KFS Board of Management was inaugurated in a colorful ceremony at the KFS headquarters recently. As outlined in the Kenya Forest Act 2005 the board is tasked with a number of responsibilities including ensuring efficient management of the Service, considering and making recommendations to the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources on the establishment of state forests on un-alienated Government land and any other Government land, considering and making recommendations to the Minister regarding the determination and alteration of boundaries of state forests, approving policies of the Service that affect forestry practices and development, formulating policies for the administration and management of the Kenya Forestry College among others. The third KFS Board of Management consists of the following members:

1. Mr. Peter Kirigua – Board Chairman

2. Ms. Naomi Apali Mogoria – Vice Chair of the Board

3. Mr. Julius Rotich – Principal Secretary, the National Treasury

4. Dr. Richard Lesiyampe –Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources

5. Principal Secretary, Ministry of Water and Irrigation

6. Dr. Ben Chikamai – Director, KEFRI

7. Mr. Emilio Mugo – Ag. Director, KFS

8. Mr. Bruno Linyiru, Director General, Inspectorate of State Corporations

9. Mr. William Kiprono – Ag. Director General, KWS

10. Prof. Geoffrey Wahungu – Director General, National Environment Management Authority

11. Mr. John Miriti – Board Member

12. Mr. Ben Sang - Board Member

13. Dr. Gelas Simiyu Muse - Board Member

14. Mr. John Gethi – Board Member

15. Dr. Christopher Gatama Gakahu - Board Member

6 THE FORESTER :: JANUARY - JUNE 2015 NEWS ROUND-UP

A section of the participants at the colloquium in Eldoret. Striking a Balance between Forest Conservation and

Utilisation reduction, livelihood improvement and envi- He noted that the population had increased By Leakey Sonkoyo ronmental sustainability. tremendously thus necessitating adaptation Prof. Wakhungu said that the con- of large scale mechanized farming which had The Cabinet Secretary for Environ- stitution recognized the rights of indigenous led to the depletion of forests and other natu- ment, Water and Natural Resources Prof. Judi people and the government was obligated to ral resources. Wakhungu called on all Kenyans, especially uphold and protect them and that the people Acting Director of the Kenya Forest those living near forests, to conserve them for were also obligated to observe the laws of Service (KFS) Emilio Mugo while responding the socio-economic development of the coun- the land, particularly those pertaining to the to questions from participants said that the try. She noted that while forests were also a conservation and protection of forests. The country’s forest cover had increased from a source of livelihood for thousands of Kenyans Minister noted that at only 6.9% of the total low of 3% to the current 6.9%. He however and the main anchor for the country’s econ- land area of the country, Kenya’s forest cover noted that KFS continued to face challenges omy, caution must be taken to avoid over was too low and everything should be done in the management of state forests especially exploitation and in so doing jeopardizing the to improve it. She added that the government from forest invaders. “We have however been environmental integrity of the country. had taken steps to protect the existing forests able to move out all people who were previ- The Minister was speaking when by availing funds for farmers to move out of ously residing in the various forests with the she officially opened a four day colloquium on the forest and settle elsewhere. help of the government and community lead- “Deepening Dialogue with Stakeholders in the Speaking at the same event, the ers,” added Mr. Mugo. Forest Sector in Kenya” which brought togeth- Principal Secretary for Environment Dr. Rich- World Bank Country Di- er all players in the forestry sector in Eldoret ard Lesiyampe lamented the continuous de- rector for Kenya Ms. Diarietou Gaye said that recently. struction of forests by people yet existing in her organization will continue to support The colloquium was organised by forests were inadequate. He noted that the forest conservation efforts in Kenya in accor- the World Bank in conjunction with the Min- area set aside for forest protection by the dance with the National Forestry Programme istry of Environment among other stakehold- government was too small and efforts should (NFP) as well as assist the government in alle- ers. The major objectives of the colloquium be made to increase forest cover on farm- viating the situation of vulnerable communi- were to facilitate constructive dialogue and lands and community lands. “Our people’s ties in the country. foster cooperation among key stakeholders in lifestyles have changed from what they used the forestry sector and share national and in- to be in the pre-colonial era when our fore- ternational experience and best practises on fathers practised minimal extractive methods management of forest resources for poverty of food production and other goods,” he said.

THE FORESTER :: JANUARY -JUNE 2015 7 NEWS ROUND-UP Trees for Economic Growth

By Leakey Sonkoyo

Napara Primary School in Bumula, Bungoma County played host to this year’s National Tree Planting Launch for the long rains season in a colourful event presided over by the Cabinet Sec- retary for Environment and Natural Resources Prof. Judi Wakhun- gu, Bungoma County Governor Dr. Ken Lusaka among other guests from the National and Local County Government. The theme for this year’s tree planting season is “For a Green Economy, Wakenya Tupande Miti.” The event saw the establishment of a woodlot for Napara Primary School and the distribution of tree seedlings to residents of the area, which they will plant in their homes. Speaking at the event, the Cabinet Secretary said that the government was very keen on working with schools in the Green Schools Programme to make sure that pupils learn the value of environmental conservation from a young age as well as help the schools fi- nancially by establishing commercial woodlots. “The Green Schools Programme has taken root in the country and my Ministry together with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) will continue rolling out the programme in the remaining schools,” she said. Prof. Wakhungu urged residents of Bungoma County to continue working with KFS in the protection of local forests especially Mt. Elgon Forest which she noted was an important water tower for Kenya and the region. Addressing the same event, the County Governor Dr. Ken Lusaka thanked the Ministry and KFS for hosting the National event in the county. He noted that his County continued to play its role in forest conservation, saying that the County Government had a good working relationship with KFS. “Let us continue working together to improve the livelihoods of our people who are the main stakeholders in forest conservation,” he said. On his part, KFS Board Chairman Peter Kirigua said that the Service will work closely with the County Government of Bun- goma to see to it that several hilltops that faced degradation are rehabilitated. He also urged the community to participate in forest conservation. The Chairman also announced that the Green Schools Programme will be extended to public secondary schools. Acting KFS Director Emilio Mugo also commended residents of Bungoma for forest conservation. He however noted that there are some parts of Mt. Elgon Forest that needed to be re- planted after harvesting. He added that there were plans to replant these sites together with Community Forest Associations (CFAs) during this rainy season.

Ministry of Environment Water and Natural Resources Cabinet Secretary Prof. Judi Wakhungu (left) waters a tree seedling at Napara Primary School, Bungoma during the launch of the National Tree Planting Season as Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka (centre) and KFS Board Chairman Peter Kirigua (right) look on.

8 THE FORESTER :: JANUARY - JUNE 2015 NEWS ROUND-UP

Dignitaries accompanied by P.S in the Ministry of Environment, Water and Natural Resources Dr. Richard Lesiyampe (Right) touring the Green Schools Garden, during the handing over of Green Schools Project. Green School Project Handed Over in Nyandarua County By Caroline Kahuria and Sylviah Wishenga have had 10% of their land put under trees, ei- of three classrooms with 120 desks and a in- ther commercial or indigenous.” He said. The stallation of a solar lighting system, which was Students from Michinda Primary Principal Secretary urged teachers to nurture facilitated through the assistance of the Dan- School in Nyandarua County can now enjoy the culture of tree planting in students and ish Development Agency (DFID). The agency the luxury of new learning environment made further, challenged the community around, has also helped in establishing energy effi- possible through support of the Green Schools and the public to plant more trees for com- cient cooking stoves for use by the school. and Commercial Tree Growing (GS&CTG) pro- mercial purposes. The skills that the pupils learn from gramme. The school is the first beneficiary Speaking also at the same func- the management of nurseries will not only of the initiative by Ministry of Environment, tion the representative of the Director KFS prepare them for self employment upon Water and Natural Resources through Kenya Dr. Clement Ng;oriareng; Head of Dry Land completing school, but also they will be trans- Forest Service (KFS) in collaboration with Dan- Forestry noted that since tree planting in ferred from the students to their own homes ish Development Agency (DFID). The mod- schools is among the devolved forestry func- and community. This will contribute to the na- el school; Michinda Primary School; for the tions to the counties, as the Service ventures tion forest cover which stands at 7% current- Green Schools and Commercial Tree Growing into preparation of transition implementation ly, as well as help their families in investing in was officially unveiled and the model practic- plans, the green school model practices wit- commercial tree growing. es handed over to the school management in nessed at Michinda will form part of the pack- Other dignitaries in attendance Nyandarua County. age for recommendations to the counties on were Engineer Karue Muriuki; Senator Nyan- The GS & CTG Programme was how to enhance tree growing in schools. “KFS darua County, Dr. Virinder Sharma; Climate launched on 7th December 2013 by His Excel- has applied varies strategies to increasing tree Change advisor (DFID), John Wachihi; KFS lency the President Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta in cover which the school approach has been HOC Central Highlands, Hon Francis Wawe- Michinda Primary School with an objective of very successful and now with the current ru Ndiritu; area Member of Parliament and empowering pupils to conserve the environ- model of the Green Schools and commercial other representatives of the various government, by setting up medium scale tree nurs- tree growing project more successes will be ment departments and county government of eries and establishing school based forestry registered, thanks to the Project” Ng’oriareng Nyandarua. clubs in all schools in Kenya. said. The government financed the pro- Speaking during the function, Envi- The programme has positively im- gramme with amount of over one billion ronment Principal Secretary in the Ministry proved the status of Michinda Primary School shillings and targets some 931 schools in the of Environment, Water and Natural Resourc- and the community around. The school has country this year. The first phase of the pro- es who was the chief guest, Dr. Richard Le- been assisted with erecting perimeter fence gramme is already under implementation siyampe emphasized on attainment of 10% round the compound, construction of a gate by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) with the forest cover by every Kenyan of all walks of , installation of water harvesting equipment facilitation of the ministry which has availed life. “The government is committed to achiev- inclusive of water tanks to enable harvest- over Kshs. 37 million, to enable the identified ing the 10% forest cover and the green school ing and storage of rain water, for use in tree schools begin with establishment of activities project is part of government policy vehicles establishment during dry season. It has also such as water harvesting and tree nursery. it will use to ensure that all schools in Kenya benefited from refurbishment and furnishing

THE FORESTER :: JANUARY -JUNE 2015 9 NEWS ROUND-UP

Nairobi International Trade Fair-Nairobi Branch Chairlady, Minne Njage, KFS Board Chairman Peter Kirigua, Senior Deputy Director Support Services Monica Kalenda and Nairobi Ecosystem Conservator Stephen Kahunyo pose for a photo with students and teachers from various schools during the A.S.K National Tree Planting event held at the Jamuhuri Showground. KFS takes part in ASK Tree Planting Day By Pamela Gatwiri officials present to make tree planting more the tree planting event. Her remarks touched prominent during their annual countrywide on the rapid disappearance of forest cover in The Agricultural Society of Kenya shows. Speaking during the event, SDD Sup- Kenya and emphasized the need to reverse (ASK), Nairobi branch, held their Nation- port Services Ms. Kalenda, said that 7% forest the trend so as to safe guard the country’s al Tree Planting event at the Jamuhuri Park cover has been achieved and emphasized that food production and the environment. She Showground aimed at sensitizing invited vis- KFS is key on achieving Vision 2030’s mandate encouraged the YFCK members to take up the itors on the importance of forest conservation of a 10% forest cover as per the Constitution. challenge of planting as many trees to make for our economy as well as replacing aging She echoed the KFS Board Chairman’s words Kenya the envy place to live, work, raise fam- trees in the showground. The Tree Planting that working with private institutions such as ilies and do business. The ASK also conducted Day was graced by students from various Sec- the ASK was a way of achieving this goal. She tree planting activities in Nakuru and Eldoret. ondary schools in Kenya that are part of the was pleased to see students from the Young Young Farmers Club of Kenya (YFCK). Among Farmers club and commended them for their the schools present were Mary Hill, Olympic efforts in conservation. “We should strive to Secondary, St. Georges Girls, Ngara Girls, Dag- inculcate the culture of environment con- “We should strive to incul- oretti Boys and Nairobi Milimani Secondary. servation into young people for they are the cate the culture of envi- In attendance was the Kenya Forest country’s future”, said Ms Kalenda. Service (KFS) Board Chairman Peter Kirigua The Young Farmers Club Chairlady, ronment conservation into who was the guest of honour, accompanied Priscilla Muia who accompanied the students, young people for they are by Senior Deputy Director, Support Services led in the tree planting exercise where the stu- Monica Kalenda. dents managed to plant 500 seedlings out of the country’s future” KFS Board Chairman praised the the 2000 donated by KFS for the event. Pres- tree planting initiative by ASK and mentioned ent during the event was Nairobi Internation- that he wanted KFS and ASK to go into prop- al Trade Fair Nairobi Branch Chairlady, Minne er partnership in future and requested ASK Njage who was well pleased to be a part of

10 THE FORESTER :: JANUARY - JUNE 2015 FEATURES The International Decade for Action “Water for Life”

(2005-2015) Forest fires in Eburu recently By Sylviah Wishenga 2015 marks the last year of the International Decade for Action ‘Water for Life’. The campaign officially commenced Managing on 22nd March, 2005 on World Water Day, with the primary goal of promoting efforts to fulfill international commitment made on water related issues in the United Nations Millennium By Caroline Kahuria Forest Fires Development Goals (MDGs). The decade, 2005-2015 was initiated due to the increase in population, especially children dying as a result of dirty Forest fires in Kenya are synonymous with the months of Feb- water and poor sanitation. The UN was determined to meet the ruary to March due to the prevailing dry weather conditions in many MDGs which were basically to develop integrated water re- parts of the country. During this period, vegetation in most forests dries sources management and water efficiency plans, to stop unsus- up leading to increased risk of fire outbreaks. tainable water resources and to reduce by half the proportion of Most fires in many areas result from either natural or human related people without safe drinking water by 2015. The water decade causes, however most forest fires are as a result of human related caus- also focused on encouraging countries to build on the efforts es, which include political interference where members of the public are made to date, to protect, use and manage fresh water resources incited by politicians to burn forests so as to give way for settlement in a sustainable manner. and cultivation. Other causes include arsonists who have interest in the Over the years tremendous efforts have been made to ensure forests, among them honey hunters, illegal charcoal burners and illegal that the above goals are met. During the first decade on water grazers. The other group involves farmers living adjacent to forests who from 1981-1990, it was estimated that more than one billion set fires to the fields in preparation for planting. The fires are left uncon- people gained access to safe drinking water. Similarly, the world trolled thus spreading into the forest and causing havoc. has met the target of half of its population to have access to Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has been at the forefront in sup- clean water in 5 years which is ahead of schedule. pressing this menace that rises to crisis levels during the dry season, Despite the progress, it is estimated that 2.5 billion through acquiring a combination of basic and medium firefighting equip- people in developing countries still lack access to improved san- ment which is strategically deployed to forest fire prone regions. itation facilities. The global water crisis claims 3.4 million lives Intent on protecting the country’s forests through sustained each year. A case study by World Water Assessment Programme operations, the Service is met with indifference as communities set fires classified Kenya as a water scarce country with only 647 cubic on a revenge mission mostly in areas where communities have been re- metres of renewable fresh water per capita. It is for this reason settled. This causes great loss of biodiversity, degradation of forests, loss that trees are important as water catchments. of forest plantation, release of carbon into the atmosphere and general An American-Indian proverb states that “The sky is pollution. held up by the trees and if the forest disappears, the sky-roof The Service has been taking precautions such as banning the of the world will collapse. Nature and man will perish together.” burning of vegetation inside forests or in private farms adjacent to for- Indeed, this turns out to be true because if trees are cleared ests during fire seasons, putting fire danger related signboards for the over large areas, the rain reduces or stops. Trees are by far the public and availing firefighting equipment in case of fire outbreaks. most effective evapo-transpirers. They absorb water from soil Speaking regarding the fires KFS Ag. Commandant Alex Le- and when the sun shines, water is released from the leaves and markoko noted that KFS managed to suppress the fires this year due to back to the environment. Research by the Centre for Interna- availed firefighting equipment from the Ministry of Environment, Water tional Forestry Research (CIFOR) also shows that tropical forests and Natural Resources. “The equipment was availed on time and aerial contribute to regulating river flow both during dry and rainy sea- capabilities of the Service supported surveillance and assessment and a sons, thereby minimizing risks related to water scarcity. quick response to the fires.” he said. Achieving the goals of the “water for life decade” re- “There is a need to enhance partnership with donor agencies quires sustained commitment, cooperation and investment on including bilateral arrangement with developed countries such as Brazil the part of all stakeholders. And as the world marked the World and South Africa as well as the United Nations on ways to curb this men- Water Day on 22nd March, 2015 the focus was on ‘water and ace.” added Mr. Lemarkoko. sustainable development’. The objective should be to protect The Service also received assistance from stakeholders and communities and preserve water catchment areas even beyond the 2015 tar- respectively who were quick to respond due to the partnerships that KFS get. has enhanced with forest adjacent communities for mutual benefit of the natural resource.

THE FORESTER :: JANUARY -JUNE 2015 11 FEATURES

Demystifying Prosopis Juliflora (Mathenge) Unlocking economic potential of prosopis juliflora(mathenge) for dryland people By Caroline Kahuria Kenya Forestry and Research Institute (KE- communities in management and utilization FRI) and stakeholders among them commu- of the species, to investigate integrated con- It is a tree species that is widespread in dry- nities from drylands, participants converged trol measures and to promote utilization of land areas of Baringo, Wajir, Garissa, Turka- in Baringo County to focus on the theme “un- Prosopis by removing policy and legislative na, Tana River, Isiolo, Samburu and Marsabit locking the economic potentials of prosopis barriers and for a long time has been considered a in the face of a changing climate change”. menace by the residents due to its negative Participants through experiences proved Anthony Sikiria, a resident of Kakuma Tur- effects to livestock and indigenous species in that the species through management and kana west speaking during the workshop the areas, however recent research proves defined utilization will without a doubt ben- noted that the species is without a doubt a that prosopis juliflora (Mathenge) could efit the communities in arid and semi arid -ar blessing for the dryland communities if well improve social, economic and livelihood of eas. The species is useful in providing timber, managed and utilized. He explained that the communities from dryland areas if well man- charcoal, firewood, fodder, reduces soil ero- species are used in his area for charcoal, aged and utilized. sion and has medicinal values through solu- firewood fencing and as fodder for animals. Mathenge tree species as it is widely known tions made from its pods and leaves. He pointed out that there has always been was introduced in tropical drylands where it The workshop which followed successful a misconception on the species but with the has become naturalized and invasive. The in- pilot research and development agenda de- knowledge acquired the communities can troduction of the drought tolerant multipur- veloped during the first national workshop economically benefit from mathenge. pose trees and shrubs was an important tool held about 12 years ago was keen to review It is clear that mathenge produces variety to mitigate large scale loss of ground vege- progress on five key recommendations made of valuable goods and services that are vital tation cover in dryland areas, because they in the first workshop and chart the way for- to the environment and source of livelihood met the criteria of environmental stresses ward for Prosopis research and development to the people living in arid and semi arid tolerance, fast growth, soil amelioration, fod- among them, to develop technologies for ef- areas, it is through its invasiveness that en- der provision and fuelwood supply. fective management of the species, to maxi- hanced research has emerged. It is evident During a recent workshop organized by Ken- mize utilization of various Prosopis products that among other uses prosopis through ya Forest Service(KFS) in collaboration with and develop their markets, to involve local utilisation is also capable of producing elec-

12 THE FORESTER :: JANUARY - JUNE 2015 FEATURES tricity. Baringo County which is the first investor to pilot production of electricity from Prosopis biomass through Cummins Cogeneration Kenya Limited will benefit immensely through job creation, alterna- tive source of power and ultimately improve livelihood of adjacent communities. Emphasizing on the utilization of the resource Dr Richard Lesiyampe, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment Water and Natural resources in his speech read during the workshop noted that the Gov- ernment of Kenya is facilitating the entire process and monitoring the new developments as the new frontiers of scientific knowledge and innovation surrounding Prosopis as a resource become a real- ity in Kenya. Similar Prosopis based power generation investments are being planned for Garissa, Tana River and Turkana Counties, thus making Prosopis a new green crop in Kenya. Besides the production of charcoal and electricity from Prosopis trees, efforts made by KEFRI, KARI, Univeristy of Nairobi, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development and local communities have focused on the use of Pro- sopis pods as cost effective ingredient in the formulation of commercial livestock feeds.

Speaking during the workshop Acting KFS Director Mr. Emilio Mugo noted that KFS is keen on the management aspect of prosopis. “Ken- Prosopis Juliflora(Mathenge) ya Forest Service has been receiving enormous requests on export of prosopis charcoal particularly from Tana River County however because we know the amount of wood energy required at the National level KFS has gone slow on issuing authorization to ensure that we meet the subsistence demand”. He said that KFS is working together with Kenya Forestry and Research Institute (KEFRI) and stakeholders to ensure management is geared towards the products that will benefit the investors, counties and individual farmers respectively. Caroline N. Lentupuru County Executive Committee member of Bar- ingo County noted that the County Government is ready to engage the community on prosopis management utilization and controlling the spread of the species through establishing management plans. “As County Government we plan to develop management plans to Participants of the 2nd National Prosopis workshop held from 18th to ensure everything is done through the provided acts, we don’t want 21st May at Soi Safari Club, Baringo County with the theme “unlocking the economic potentials of prosopis in the face of a changing climate prosopis to be removed such that the land becomes bare, neither do change”. KFS in partnership with Kenya Forestry Research Institute we want it to spread to areas it will affect indigenous trees as well, it have been collaborating with communities on strategies to manage is a tricky balance nevertheless we must achieve it for environmen- Prosopis species for economic benefit of communities living in dryland tal integrity”. She said. “We plan to capacity build the community to areas. understand what the law stipulates, so that they can be in a position to engage investors either those generating power, woodcarvings among other venture for improved livelihood. It is evident that with a positive mental shift on growing, management and utilization of prosopis in dryland areas, the dryland communities can ultimately benefit both socially and economically respectively. “As an association, it is through returns of prosopis charcoal that we have improved our lives and those of the community around Baringo, through establishment of a centre that caters for our needs. It will be encouraging and fulfilling if County government supports us through empowerment and capacity building” says Samuel Mon- torosi Chairman of Baringo South Charcoal Producer Association in Baringo County. There is an urgent need to finalize the national strategy on prosopis that will involve all stakeholders in its implementation, as a result National Government, County Governments and other stakeholders KFS Acting Director Mr. Emilio Mugo (left), Conservation Secretary Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Mr. Gideon Gath- should undertake an inventory and mapping prosopis in order to de- ara(2nd left), Deputy Director Kenya Forestry Research Institute Bio- termine the existing resource base. diversity and Environment Management Dr. Gabriel Muturi, phD (2nd right) get briefed on how the Biomass energy power plant operates by Michael Kanyongo(right) Manager at Cummin Cogeneration Kenya Limited.

THE FORESTER :: JANUARY -JUNE 2015 13 PICTORIALS

Former President of Kenya H.E Mwai Kibaki flanked by KFS Board Chairman His Excellency the President Hon Uhuru Kenyatta plants a tree to mark Wangari Peter Kirigua (right) and KFS Ag. Director Emilio Mugo (left) waters a tree he Maathai Day at the KWS Headquarters, Langata. planted at the Barclays Kenya Open, Karen Country Club.

KFS Senior Deputy Director Monica Kalenda (centre) hands a copy of the Ag. Director KFS Emilio Mugo, Vice Minister State Forestry Administration Participatory Forest Management Agreement for Jilore Forest to the Forest (SFA), China Mr. Chen Fengxue, KFS Board Chairman Peter Kirigua and Deputy Conservation Committee Representative Arafa Salim Baya (right) as Ecosystem Director General, Department of International Cooperation, SFA, China Mrs. Conservator Kilifi County Christoper Maina looks on. Zhang Hongyan at the Windsor Golf & Country Club.

KFS Ag. Director Emilio Mugo (centre) receives Farm Forestry Facility (FFF) booklets from Marco Boscolo of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)-Forest- ry Division (2nd left) as other FAO and KFS Senior Officials look on. The FAO team visited KFS to discuss implementation modalities for the Farm Forestry Facility in Kenya and also to kick start implementation of FFF in Nakuru and Laikipia Counties.

14 THE FORESTER :: JANUARY - JUNE 2015 PICTORIALS

KFS Head of Biomass Energy Jim Okuto (2nd right) presents the draft charcoal rules and regulations 2015 to Chairman Parliamentary Network on Renewable En- ergy and Climate Change Dr. Wilbur Ottichilo (center) as the former Chairman Davy Koech (2nd left) and other network members look on at the Intercontinental Hotel in Nairobi where they were reviewing the charcoal rules and regulations.

Senior Forest Officer Joyce Thuku explains some points to members of the KFS Athletics team alongside Lari Conservancy Foresters during the Annual public during the 2015 KEFRI open day at Karura. Lari Marathon 2015 in Kereita Forest, Kiambu County, aimed at boosting conservation efforts in the forest.

KFS Deputy Director Forest Conservation and Management Essau Omolo(2nd left) hands a certificate to Joel K. Tanui Senior Chief Kimasian Location, Kericho County during Innovative Approches towards rehabilitating Mau Ecosystem( World Bank Country Director for Kenya Diarietou Gaye and the Cabinet Sec- IARME) Farmer Field School graduations in Kericho. They are flanked by KFS retary Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Prof. Judi Wakhungu IARME Project Manager David Chege (right) and Kenya Forest Service Ecosys- with the Ogiek community members at a colloquium with forestry sector tem Conservator Kericho County Thomas Kiptoo (left). stakeholders held in Eldoret.

Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Prof. Judi Wakhungu presents a copy of the Mwongozo book on Integrity and Efficient running of Government Parastatals to KFS Board Chairman Peter Kirigua during the board Inauguration at the KFS Headquarters.

THE FORESTER :: JANUARY -JUNE 2015 15 FEATURES

CFA exposure visit - il Ngwesi Lodge , Nanyuki, Laikipia County Conserving Our Forests Together By Leakey Sonkoyo are thankfully behind him now. Following con- from conserving forests, they would also certed efforts by the Government and other benefit from the cultivation of food crops in The events of December 2007 and stakeholders that enabled people to go back the plantation forests through the Plantation early January 2008 are events that Solomon to their farms, peace eventually returned to Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Kimani Kamau of Timboroa in Uasin-Ngishu the area. But the affected people faced a ma- Scheme (PELIS), grazing and other income County would rather forget. But he and many jor dilemma about where to start rebuilding generating activities. “We mobilised ourselves people in Timboroa and indeed most parts of their lives from. and formed the Timacha CFA which brought Kenya will never forget. Following the disput- At just about the same time, the together members of Timboroa, Matharu ed 2007 General Elections, people he consid- Kenya Forest Service (KFS) was encouraging and Changaiya communities,” says Mr. Ka- ered friendly neighbours descended on his people living around state forests to form mau. Forming the CFA also meant that they home and in just a few minutes, he was not Community Forest Associations (CFAs) so that had to join together with the very people only homeless but running for dear life. And they could participate in forest conservation who sought to displace them. But after much so was his family and neighbours from his eth- and management. On further inquiry, Mr. thought and consultation among the commu- nic community. But those are dark days that Kamau and his neighbours learnt that apart nities, they realised that this was one way of

16 THE FORESTER :: JANUARY - JUNE 2015 FEATURES

CFA Exposure Visit - Touring the upcoming Nanyuki CFA Resource Centre fostering peace and harmony in the area. farming and sheep rearing which have been elephants among other herbivores. Crop “Through the Participatory Forest instrumental in improving our livelihoods,” destruction and injuries to humans which Management approach between KFS and our- says Mr. Kimani. sometime turned fatal were the order of the selves, we were able to rebuild our lives and Gathiuru Forest Station in Nyeri day. These among other challenges prompted attain sustainable peace with our neighbours County’s section of the Mt. Kenya Forest Re- the community to form the Shimba Hills CFA at the same time,” concludes Mr. Kamau. serve was one of the earlier stations where which with the support of KFS, sourced for A visitor to the Sururu block of the giant Mau PELIS was piloted. The station had a backlog other stakeholders among them the World Forest Complex would not know that in ear- running to a few thousands of hectares which Wildlife Fund (WWF) who funded the instal- ly 2008, the place was mostly bare land with needed to be planted urgently. The station’s lation of an electric fence that has now eradi- the indigenous forest having been cleared by manager Oliver Kinyua realised that alone, it cated the menace. According to the Assistant land speculators who hoped that the govern- was going to be impossible to clear the back- Secretary of the CFA Mwarabu Mwakutunza, ment would excise the land and distribute it log. “I was therefore relieved when I learnt the various user groups within the CFA also to them. Thankfully this did not happen as KFS that we would involve the community to try engage in other income generating activi- was tasked to rehabilitate the forest. Through and do some planting,” says Mr. Kinyua. ties including tour guiding around the scenic collaboration with other government agen- On their part, the Gathiuru commu- forest, eco-tourism and seedling production cies, the Service was able to move out the nity welcomed the introduction of PELIS with among others. CFA members are also involved speculators. relish realising that it would open new fron- in tree growing on their own farms. Residents of Sururu then came to- tiers for economic improvement which would Gogoni Gazi CFA or Gogacofa as it gether and formed the Mau, Sururu, Likia alleviate poverty from their midst. According is simply known is another CFA at the Coast- CFA or simply Masulicofa. According to its to the Chairman Moses Githeria, members al County of Kwale which is working together Chairman Joseph Kamau, the main reason organised themselves and were each issued with KFS through the PFMP methodology to for forming the CFA was to restore the forest with a plot on which to cultivate food crops conserve mangroves and at the same time block which is an important catchment for while caring for seedlings. “We established help members draw some benefits from their Lake Nakuru and the Njoro River. With the strict rules especially on the management of efforts. help of the Green Zones Development Sup- seedlings because we did not want to clash The CFA has several user groups port Project (GZDSP) a project funded the by with KFS which had given us land to grow our among them a 450 meter board walk man- African Development Bank (AfDB) and imple- crops,” says the Chairman. aged by women members. According to Mwa- mented by KFS, the CFA was able to plant over “Our lives have improved as we time Hamadi, the women charge a fee for one million seedlings in the forest. “Today, have been able to buy property and take our people to walk on the board walk and learn through our efforts and natural regeneration, children to school from the proceeds of our about the different mangrove species and the forest is now flourishing,” says a happy Mr. activities in the forest,” says the Chairman of other biodiversity thereby earning them a liv- Kimani. the PELIS user group within the CFA Daniel ing. The group has also registered a Communi- To reduce pressure on the forest, Muhiato who now spots a Land Rover and ty Based Organisation (CBO), Mikoko Pamoja the project also assisted the community to ‘Probox’ through the proceeds from PELIS. Organisation which is conserving mangroves start income generating activities on their One of the major challenges facing people for carbon credits. They sell the credits to own farms that have helped supplement their residing near forests has always been hu- companies in Europe and use the proceeds to income and greatly improve their livelihoods. man-wildlife conflict. This was a major prob- empower themselves economically. ‘The project facilitated the CFA to start in- lem for the people of Kwale County, especially come generating activities such as fish -farm those bordering the famous Shimba Hills For- ing, bee keeping, seedling production, poultry est Reserve which is home to several hundred

THE FORESTER :: JANUARY -JUNE 2015 17 FEATURES Ndaragwa waterfall (pesi river) Ecotourism in Kenya’s Forests By Pamela Gatwiri and Sylivia Wishenga

Ecotourism is one of the biggest investment opportunities in the forest sector in the world. Kenya is a popular destination in Africa for ecotourism which is fueled by public and private initiatives that revolve around the country’s rich array of nature based recre- ation facilities. Forests in particular offer a wide range of these activities such as nature trails, bird watching, picnic and camping sites, boardwalks, canopy walks, among others. With a forest cover of about 3.45 million hectares, Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has identified different forest sites in Kenya as ecotourism destinations. The Miti Mingi Maisha Bora initiative in coordination with KFS, revamped one such site in Hombe Forest Station, Nyeri County. A previously old run-down house was renovated and is now a fully functional Guest House that is self catering and accommodates groups of four. Apart from this, KFS will add tents and install water storage tanks. “The idea is for people to come in groups, relax and have some time to themselves,” said Philip Ireri, Chief Officer Eco- tourism. The location of the Guest House offers a scenic view and relaxing ambience for its guests. There is a similar Guest House built by KFS in Kakamega Forest that has seen more tourists visiting the area. At a time when there is immense pressure on the environment, innovation by tourism bodies is much needed and should be aimed at interpreting practices that enhance connectivity among partners of ecotourism. Miti Mingi Maisha Bora embarked on such an innovative initiative in March this year where they took 18 people from six Community Forest Associations (CFAs) for an exposure visit in Nanyuki, where they underwent training and learnt the different aspects of ecotourism. The training was a sort of ‘business shape up’ where they acquired skills in the trade which they could then implement in their training. “This training will help young people invest in ecotourism and at the same time learn how to conserve forests,” said Mr. Ireri. Despite the need for communities living near forests to invest in ecotourism, there are other challenges that the sector faces. These include insecurity, which may hamper visitors from touring some of the ecotourism sites in the forest sector. Insecurity also af- fects KFS licensed tourist sites whereby banks are not willing to give credit to community members seeking to invest. Some communities are also not willing to be involved in forest activities because they lack the capacity or adequate income to invest in ecotourism. Thus initiatives such as the exposure visits are key in empowering community members who reside around ecotourism sites. KFS has a number of projects lined up which include setting up a nature trail in Ndaragua Forest Station, a part of the Aberdare Forest in Nyandarua County. Along that nature trail, they plan to involve the CFAs to set up curio shops and canteens. Benefits of ecotourism to the country are endless. Ecotourism en- hances appreciation of natural environments in terms of their in- trinsic and economic worth for protection and conservation. Though Kenya is currently facing security turmoil, people should still seek to appreciate what is good about the country and promote it interna- Charles Wahome stands in front of the newly refurbished Hombe Forest Guest tionally as well. House. Charles is a member of a Nyahuru-based athletics camp that was occupy- ing the facility at the time of this visit

18 THE FORESTER :: JANUARY - JUNE 2015 PROJECT NEWS GZDSP and CFA Chairman Undertake Learning Visit in Tanzania

By Charles Ngunjiri with Jerome Mwanzia aims to establish a commercially viable value chain for legally and sustainably produced charcoal. The overall goal is to improve climate As part of its capacity development initiative, the Green change adaptation and mitigation; to enhance environmental sustain- Zones Development Support Project (GZDSP) undertook a five day ability and to leverage returns on biomass resources; thereby deliver- study tour of Morogoro, Tanzania. The learning visit was planned to ex- ing sustainable development. As a result, there was a need for proper pose project implementation staff and the Gathiuru Community Forest planning on accessibility and the use of forest resources in order to Association (CFA) Chairman Mr. Githeria to the approaches used in im- achieve sustainability. The project works with communities and local plementing Participatory Forest Management (PFM) in Tanzania. The government to establish sustainable and energy efficient charcoal pro- choice of destination was particularly appropriate given that Tanzania duction from woodlands in village forest reserves. This project also has had legislation embracing PFM since 2003 (as opposed to Kenya links the process of sustainable charcoal production to the on-going where the Forest Act was enacted in 2005) and has been applied in the REDD initiatives and supports advocacy initiatives for improved gover- management of different categories of forests. Indeed, PFM has been nance of the charcoal sector. a core activity of GZDSP which started its operations in 2006 when the sector was undergoing rapid reforms. The team had a lively engagement with members of the The visit also explored implementation approaches to cli- Ulaya-Mbuyuni CFA, who explained how the 3700ha village forest has mate change adaptation, livelihood support, and cost/benefit sharing been divided into 24 management coupes, where each coup is har- in forest management. Training and research programs in the field of vested annually in a systematic way, thus giving a harvesting regime forest conservation were also explored. The visit also accorded an op- of 24 years. The mode of harvesting is through clear felling of trees, portunity for GZDSP to share with their hosts the Kenyan experiences. save for those that are of specific value e.g. biodiversity, medicinal and trees within water sources. However, the Chairman for Gathiuru CFA In Morogoro town, the team visited Tanzania Forest Research expressed concern over this approach given that the indigenous trees Institute (TAFORI) and the Tanzania Tree Seed Agency (TTSA) where take longer to mature and the fact that clear-felling impacts negatively they were briefed on the respective institutions’ roles in the promotion on biodiversity. of forest management and conservation. TAFORI Acting Director Gen- The team concluded by visiting the Sokoine University of Ag- eral Dr. Mbwambo outlined conservation research programs as well riculture where Dr. J. Abdalla gave a presentation on climate change as their linkages to management. The team also visited Kilosa District adaptation, livelihood support and cost benefit sharing. He noted that Council and was received by the District Commissioner and the District in Tanzania, forests contribute 3% of GDP and 45% of households are Forest Officer (Mr. Othmar Haule) in the company of Administrative forest dependant for their livelihood. The area under forest cover in Secretary for Morogoro (Mr. Noah Lameck). Mr. Haule presented an Tanzania is 48 million ha but the country losses 300,000ha (0.49%) of overview of PFM implementation in Kilosa where the major highlights its forests per year through unsustainable land use. It is estimated that were the historical background of the process that started as a result 17% of greenhouse gasses come from land use activities. He noted of institutional changes that have taken place in Tanzania over time that the initiatives by Non-Governmental Organizations use PFM ap- since independence. It was noted that PFM started earlier but without proaches to pilot on REDD+ initiatives where communities are given requisite legal backing. incentives to preserve natural forests for conservation. This initiative has however not been consistent resulting in community dissatisfac- While in the district, the team visited the Sustainable Char- tion since the cost/ benefit sharing mechanism under PFM is still at the coal Project where Project Manager Mr. Charles Ronald, outlined the draft level. project implementation strategies. He explained that Miombo wood- There are opportunities for communities in Kenya to benefit lands are under the management of the village government and that through employment as well as income generating activities as demon- the community within this area heavily relies on forest resources for strated in the visit, highlighted by increased community empowerment their livelihood. This is manifested in the fact that 90% of Tanzania through PFM initiatives in Tanzania. energy demand is met through wood biomass, where firewood and charcoal contribute TZSh. 1.6 trillion to the economy, making it a major source of income and employment for rural households. The high demand for charcoal downside is that 300ha of forests are lost annually in Kilosa besides increased poverty and loss of revenue from unsustainable land use. It is against this background that the Sustainable Charcoal Production Project was introduced as a pilot project in Kilosa, which

THE FORESTER :: JANUARY -JUNE 2015 19 CROSS CUTTING ISSUES Disability Corruption Mainstreaming in Kenya By Monicah Ruto What do we mean by mainstreaming disability? It sounds By Pauline Mwende like a complicated concept, but it actually isn’t. Mainstreaming is an on-going process of including disability into all our work. It is While a certain level of corruption goes on in every country, about building disability into existing processes, not about adding corruption in Kenya is a particularly large problem. Corruption can refer separate disability activities. It can be as simple as making sure a to many different types of illegal acts, though they will usually all involve website is accessible based on International and National stan- a person abusing their authority for their own benefit, or for the bene- dards! fit of family and friends. This can be government officials using public Persons with Disability in Kenya live in a vicious cycle of money for their own personal use, or corporate executives improperly poverty due to stigmatization, limited education opportunities, in- awarding contracts or taking other decisions in exchange for bribes. adequate economic opportunities and a lack of access to the labor Incidents of corruption in Kenya are not limited to large corporations or market. In their daily lives, they always battle exclusion thus limit- government agencies. Bribe-taking is common among many lower-level ing their full participation in society. This calls for disability main- officials, with the average city-dwelling Kenyan having to pay as many as streaming in all sectors in Kenya. 16 bribes a month just in the course of everyday life. Disabilities may include; various physical and mental im- Corruption is a vice that is affecting Kenya as a whole and- ev pairment such as autism, speech and language impairment, deaf- ery organization and individual should strive in their own small way to ness, albinism, mental challenges, physical challenges and visual make a change and fight it. Corruption is a monster whereby no blame impairment. These impairments can hinder someone from their games should be played and every organization and Kenyan citizen day-to-day activities. should change their attitude, behavior, culture and focus on adhering to National values. Mainstreaming disability is based on the understanding By the year 2030, it is envisaged that Kenya will have transparent, ac- that physical, social and communication barriers are the ones that countable, ethical and results-oriented Government institutions. KFS as prevent inclusion of persons with disabilities into society. There- one of the State Corporations has tried its best in fighting the vice by first fore elimination of these barriers is required in order to enable developing the Anti-Corruption Policy and circulating it to the Heads of them enjoy equal rights, life quality, responsibilities and participa- Conservancies to read and understand and also disseminate the same to tion in social events like other people. those working under them. Including the disability perspective into the main societal streams KFS has also developed a Code of Conduct and Ethics for all is a process that ensures that persons with disability may fully par- employees and stakeholders to ensure that their operations and interac- ticipate in all the events taking place in society and get the full sup- tions uphold high ethical and integrity standards. The Board of Manage- port they need.” ment signed the Code of Conduct signifying its readiness to work in an In Kenya Forest Service, there are members of staff with ethical way in order to move the organization forward. different kinds of disabilities, and it is everyone’s duty to respect The Service trains over 300 officers in its institution i.e. the Kenya- For them and appreciate their contribution to service delivery and the estry College every quarter on ethics and integrity. This ensures that of- general mandate of the Service. ficers are aware of corrupt activities and discuss strategies to be used in All staff should be aware that no one invites disability, preventing and minimizing corruption so that the Service can achieve its but anyone can find themselves in such a situation, thus it should objectives. trigger some sense of responsibility in everyone when making de- Over the last 8 years that KFS has been in operation as a Para- cisions. Our decisions should be based on inclusion such that per- statal, levels of corruption have seen a significant reduction. For instance sons with disabilities are understood as citizens, with equal rights in the 2012/2013 survey, the overall corruption index was at 1.425 with to all others. Eliminating all forms of discrimination and ensuring significant decrease in the percentage of corruption cases in every area the conditions that enable them to exercise their rights and full prone to corruption. This is due to strategies, consistent operations, up- potential should be the observed at all times. holding best practices and uplifting efficient and effective management Mainstreaming should be geared towards making dis- of government resources. abled people’s concerns and experiences an integral dimension of KFS has laid down strategies which all its employees and stake- the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies holders should be aware of. There is for instance a telephone hotline and programmes in all spheres, so that disabled people benefit number (020-2446644) managed from the Head Office, which members equally and such that inequality is not perpetuated. The ultimate of the public can call to report corruption activities; there are also sug- goal is to achieve disability equality. gestion boxes in place in all Heads of Conservancy and Ecosystem Con- This requires that all measures, programmes, services servator’s offices countrywide. Additionally on the KFS website, whis- and practices are assessed to determine their impact on the par- tleblowers can click on the “Report Corruption in KFS here” link and the ticipation of persons with disabilities, instead of simply assuming organization will take the necessary steps as well as protecting persons their neutrality. Mainstreaming disability into everyday activities making the corruption complaints/claims. of the Service can start with just the will of one, but to ensure the It is important to note that fighting corruption must start at the indi- sustainability of the strategy, the commitment of the whole organi- vidual level and later spread to the rest of society and in so doing, the zation is required. country as a whole shall eventually become corruption free.

20 THE FORESTER :: JANUARY - JUNE 2015 FEATURE

Forest Rangers, Scouts and Officers from the Coast Conservancy pose for a photo with KFS Ag. Commandant Alex Lemarkoko (seated, 3rd from right) during the familiarization visit to the Coast Conservancy Acting Commandant Undertakes Security Audit of the Coast Conservancy By Susan Ndethiu based conflicts, forest fires, shortage of rangers in the entire Coast- re gion at a ratio of 1 ranger: 50,000 acres, shortage of vehicles and boats The Enforcement and Compliance (ENCOM) Division of the Kenya to carry out surveillance, poor road network, lack of radio communica- Forest Service (KFS) recently conducted an aerial surveillance of the tion, insecurity mostly attributed to the MRC militia group which has Coast Conservancy with the aim of assessing the management of for- resulted in decreased ecotourism activities and also forest fires in the ests, protection issues among other things. The team led by the Acting Kipini, Tana River, Kwale and Taita Taveta regions. Commandant Mr. Alex Lemarkoko visited Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Kwale Despite all this however, it is important to note that there have been and Taita Taveta Counties. tremendous gains made over the last 10 years with more positive gains In Kilifi, Arabuko Sokoke Forest which covers approximately being reported in the Coastal region more than in any other part of the 42,000ha has recorded significant gains. Through CFA participation and country in terms of strategic objectives. the help of stakeholders, the forest was fenced and is now well protect- In future, the ENCOM Department and the organization as a whole will ed and has thus attained a closed canopy status in most of the area. be looking to improve on areas such as increasing the management of Manduguni area is still under occupation of illegal settlement despite natural forests, maintaining and enhancing biodiversity and increasing its gazettement status; however, clearing of management roads is on- the number of rangers to enhance forest protection. going in the area. The situation in Kwale County is that it consists of two Forest Stations with numerous fragmented blocks of forests totaling above 40,000ha, however on a positive note is the fact that Mwalunganje, Shimba and Mwache blocks of the Kwale Stations are of sound conservation status, although the 700ha of mature pine plantations cannot yet be harvested due to conflict arising from dual gazettement among other issues. There have also been reports of illegal logging of indigenous tree species mainly for timber in two Buda Forest blocks namely Dzombo and Marenje as well as overgrazing in the Ngoja block near Lungalunga. The mangrove area is also affected by encroachment, clearing and construction of structures especially in the Vanga and Makasi areas. There have been various other challenges such as resource Dabaso Creek Mangrove Forest, Malindi

THE FORESTER :: JANUARY -JUNE 2015 21 NEWS ROUND UP

KFS Acting Commandant Alex Lermakoko explains some points during the recruitment exercise at the NYS College in Gilgil. Looking on is Regional Com- Kenya Forest Service Acting Director Emilio Mugo (right) Executive Director mandant Isiolo Charles Otieno. Rhino Ark Christian Lambrechts (centre) together with Kenya Wildlife Service Senior Assistant Director Robert Njue (left) present the dummy cheque of Ksh 108, 617,802 at Namunyak Conservancy, Samburu County Forest Rangers KSh 108 million Recruited raised for Forest By Micheal Muratha Kenya Forest Service has recruited more forest rangers in bid to boost forest protection and surveillance across the country. Conservation The exercise that was conducted at the National Youth Service Col- lege in Gilgil saw the many candidates undergo various processes including a briefing at the NYS parade square, registration as per By Micheal Muratha counties, scrutiny of documents, height and physical examination, medical triage among others to determine the best men and women This year`s Rhino Charge Motor Sport event was held in Na- fit for the job. munyak Conservancy, Samburu County. The event aimed to conserve The recruitment exercise was witnessed by a number of observers Kenya`s forest raised a total of Ksh108,617,802 reaching the KSh 100 including officers from the Transparency International, Inter-reli- million mark for the second time in the 27-year history of the Rhino gious Council of Kenya officials, Ethnic and Anti Corruption officials, Charge. The event was culminated with a colourful prize giving ceremo- National Intelligence Service officers, Commission on Administrative ny attended by the five Aberdare Fence Trustees namely David Kuria, of Justice, Media houses among others. Hannah Gichimu, representing the forest adjacent communities, Rhino

Ark Executive Director Christian Lambrechts, Kenya Wildlife Service Se- At least each County was well represented with an exception of nior Assistant Director Robert Njue, and Kenya Forest Service Acting Di- three counties namely Garissa, Vihiga and Turkana who were elim- rector Emilio Mugo. Also present at the event was the KFS Board Chair- inated from the exercise for not meeting the requirements. Nairobi man Peter Kirigua. County was poorly represented with only one individual qualifying.

Due to the large number of candidates selection of the recruits was Speaking during the prize giving ceremony Acting Director KFS done by elimination method. The first elimination was based on Emilio Mugo thanked all the participants for embracing the rough ter- preliminary screening of documents which reduced the number of rains in the name of conserving Kenya`s forests. He also noted that the candidates drastically. To conclude and get the required number of motorsport event had greatly contributed to increasing the country`s recruits KFS officers conducted a final elimination based on running tree cover which currently stands at 6.99%. per county and the two third gender rule. Speaking at the same event Christian Lambrechts, Executive Director of Rhino Ark noted that for the past three years, Rhino Ark conservation Speaking during the recruitment exercise KFS Senior Deputy Direc- portfolio has expanded significantly around four key thematic areas in- tor Support Services Monica Kalenda congratulated the successful cluding, protection of Kenya mountain forests and their diverse wildlife, recruits and later handed them over to the Principal Kenya Forestry support to the livelihoods of forest-adjacent communities and their en- College Prof Donald Ogweno for paramilitary training. Once done gagement in conservation and securing the connectivity (wildlife corri- with the training the recruits will be posted to the various Kenya dor) with, and between mountain forests. Forest Service Forest Stations countrywide. The money raised during this event will go towards conservation of the Mt Kenya water tower and Mau Eburu forests.

22 THE FORESTER :: JANUARY - JUNE 2015 FEATURES

Section of Eburu Forest fence. Role of Forests in Climate Change Mitigation By Alfred Gichu The Government through its specialized institutions includ- The role of forests in climate change mitigation and adapta- ing the Kenya Forest Service, is however exploring a wide range of tion has gained significance since the ratification of the United Nations options, including policy and institutional reforms and investments, to Framework Convention on Climate Change when Parties committed protect the existing forests, restore degraded forest ecosystems and themselves to conserving available carbon reservoirs, including for- increase forest cover across the country. Vision 2030 identifies forestry ests. The special position of the sector in climate change response is as one of the most important sectors of the economy and has made a premised on a number of considerations including, forestry sector as commitment to increase the forest cover to a minimum of 10%. Oth- a source of emission of Greenhouse Gases and therefore a cause of er programmes initiated by KFS and stakeholders include the ongoing climate change, forests as key carbon reservoirs and forests as key mit- process of reviewing the forest policy and legislation formulation of the igation and adaptation pathways. National Forest Program, the Forestry and Farm Facility Initiative, the Inspite of these important and recognized mitigation and Green Schools Programme and the REDD+ Readiness activities. Such adaptation benefits, deforestation and forest degradation have contin- forestry programs have additional benefits of providing products and ued to be a problem over the last few decades, driven principally by services that support climate change adaptation efforts. pressure for conversion to agriculture, settlements and other devel- Speaking on interview, the Head of Climate Change Response Pro- opments. It is estimated that 54,000 ha of forests are lost annually to gramme and National REDD+ Coordinator Alfred Gichu noted that deforestation and forest degradation and that the forestry sector in any successful reforestation, afforestation or forest conservation pro- Kenya is responsible for annual greenhouse gas emissions of at least gramme acts as a carbon sink reservoir and contributes to climate 14.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. change mitigation. As a party to the UNFCCC, Kenya has committed itself to Mr. Gichu added that REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from De- conserving and enhancing its forest carbon stocks in an effort to reforestation and forest Degradation, and the role of conservation, sus- duce GHG emissions. The National Climate Change Response Strategy tainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon (2010), the National Climate Change Action Plan 2013-2017, and the stocks) presents a great opportunity to promote and incentivize forest Green Growth Strategy have been developed to guide National efforts conservation and restoration efforts by providing innovative approach- towards a low carbon, climate resilient development pathway. A Cli- es, including incentives from carbon finance, that support implemen- mate Change Bill and Policy is also being developed to further strength- tation of a comprehensive National strategy. en the country’s efforts towards climate change mitigation and adap- REDD+ seeks to provide compensation to governments, communities, tation. All these policy documents retain the forestry sector as one of companies or individuals in developing tropical countries for actions the six priority areas that will move Kenya towards a low-carbon, cli- taken to reduce GHG emissions from the forest sector. mate-resilient development pathway.

THE FORESTER :: JANUARY -JUNE 2015 23 STATION PROFILE

A Forest Ranger on patrol through a section of Jilore Forest Station JILORE FOREST STATION

By Susan Ndethiu experienced between the month of October occasionally cross over to cut green wood for Jilore Forest Station is one of the and November. The temperatures range from firewood and charcoal making and poles from three Forest Stations forming part of the 270C-330C and show little monthly variation the main block and they have virtually deplet- larger Arabuko Sokoke Forest Block; the oth- whereas humidity is normally high at about ed all the tree resources in the settled area. ers being Sokoke and Gede Forest Stations in 60% for most of the year, due to its proximity Kilifi and Malindi Zones respectively. Arabuko to the Indian Ocean. Some of the threats to the forest include un- Sokoke Forest (ASF) which is the largest sin- The area is characterized by red authorised logging and tree conversion into gle block of remaining coastal lowland Forest Magarini soils, which are deep and heavi- timber which is a leading driver of forest deg- on the East Coast of Africa, covers an area of ly leached with Cynometra trees being the radation. The timber harvested is transported 420sq km or some 42,000 ha. Jilore Forest major vegetation type in this area as well as to urban areas like Malindi and Watamu and Station constitutes 17,696.4 ha of that area. patches of white sand soils in areas mostly some used within the local community for The forest is located in Malindi Forest Zone, dominated by the Brachystegia forest type, furniture making and building. Pole cutting is Kilifi County of the Coast Forest Conservancy. however there are no perennial rivers or another major threat facing the forest ecosys- The forest was originally declared as streams within the forest. tem because of high demand for domestic use a Crown Forest in 1932 and was gazetted as a The forest is also rich in biodiver- and for sale as well as wildlife snaring for bush forest reserve in 1943. An additional 2,675 ha sity of both Flora and Fauna. Three taxa of meat, among other threats. at Kararacha in the South East was added in mammals which are globally threatened are 1968. found within this forest; the golden ramped Despite this however, Ecotourism as an en- elephant shrew (of which 90% of the known vironmental friendly forest utilisation regime Jilore Forest is situated in Kilifi County under global population live in this forest), the has the highest potential within the entire Kilifi Ecosystem Management at a latitude of Sokoke Bushy tailed mongoose (one of the Arabuko-Sokoke forest ecosystem, Jilore For- 3° 20’ S and longitude 39° 50’ E. It is divided five mongoose species recorded) and Adders est included. The forest has been ranked as into four smaller sections called Beats name- Duiker (which has only other population in the second most important forest for conser- ly; Arabuko Beat, Kakuyuni Beat, Jilore Beat Zanzibar). The forest is also refuge to some vation of threatened bird species in mainland and Malanga Beat, each with two or more of Kenya’s less common mammal species Africa. These and other biodiversity attributes forest guards who undertake protection and and supports about 70 elephants. Diverse have placed the ASF as an important site for surveillance activities. populations of reptiles and invertebrates are ecotourism with the former making the forest present, the latter include more than 250 re- a very important place for birders who have It lies in the Northern part of the ASF and bor- corded species of butterfly (four of which are become special niche clients to the forest ders Sokoke Forest Station to the South and endemic) Over 600 recorded plant species with bird watchers coming from within the Gede Forest Station to the South Eastern part. have been recorded including 50 that are ei- East African region and beyond. The area has an altitude range of between ther Nationally or Globally rare. More than 60-200m Above Sea Level (ASL). It is generally 230 bird species have been recorded in the Environmental awareness amongst tourists a flat area despite hosting the highest point forest including six globally threatened bird and other stakeholders in the tourism indus- within Arabuko Forest. One side of the land species. try is fast taking root locally with private tour from the apex gently slopes towards Sabaki operators, environmental organisations, local river, while the other declines towards Gede Jilore forest station also has some 6000ha of communities, professional associations and and Sokoke Forest Stations. forest under the Mangrove vegetation in the community based organisations seeking to Mean rainfall around the forest usu- Ngomeni, Marereni area and some 1000ha of actively participate in conservation efforts. ally ranges from 750 - 900 mm. The dry sea- forest area at Madunguni which is inhabited New forms of ecotourism such as sports tour- son lasts from December to March with the by squatters and adjacent to the main Ara- ism, cultural tourism and agricultural tourism main rains occurring between April and June buko-Sokoke Forest Block. The existence of also have potential in the local area given its sometimes extending into the month July or squatters in Madunguni forest has negatively strategic location within the Coastal Kenya even August, the shot rain season is normally impacted the Arabuko Block as the settlers tourism circuit.

24 THE FORESTER :: JANUARY - JUNE 2015 SPORTS NEWS KFS Athletes on a winning streak of athletes who participated in the corporate and managed to raise Kshs.46 million. The category and emerged the overall winners. money will go into buying and equipping mo- Zebedee Kiprono who is an avid KFS athlete bile clinics that will be dispatched to remote took first position. Also participating atthe areas across Kenya where pregnant mothers event was Esther Gitonga, the Zonal Manger and infants don’t have quick access to hospi- for Njoro Forest Zone. tals. Elsewhere, the First Lady’s Half The team was at it again weeks lat- Marathon dubbed ‘Beyond Zero’, whose goal er on another chilly morning at the Lari Mara- KFS athlete Jeremiah Lengaka takes part in is the reduction of maternal and child- mor thon at Kereita Forest. The marathon, held at the Lari Marathon at Kereita Forest, Kiambu County tality, took place on 8th March, 2015 at the a KFS managed forest, had a nature trail which Nyayo National Stadium. Running for a good attracted both tourists and local marathon fa- By Lydia Ogada and Pamela Gatwiri cause and on a mission to sharpen their skills, natics. Though the weather conditions were Over the past three years, Egerton the KFS Athletics team represented the orga- not the most favourable, the runners put their University initiated the restoration of Ripari- nization yet again during the event to be part best feet forward and emerged 2nd Runners an Forest vegetation along the middle section of a campaign spearheaded by the First Lady Up in the 10km Corporate Race. However, the of Njoro River. In the present approach, the of the Republic of Kenya Her Excellency Mar- triumph did not come as a surprise to their University has linked the Country’s strength garet Kenyatta. Also taking part in this event team leader Matthew Chirchir as they had in middle and long distance athletics to the was Esther Gitonga, the Zonal Manager for been practicing vigorously and passionately conservation of Mau Complex and rehabili- Njoro Forest Zone. throughout the year. tation of the Njoro River through cross coun- KFS Athletes tested their prowess The Lari Marathon is the only event try marathons. It is with this in mind that the by participating in the 21km race, a category in Kenya where participants run across the University organised a marathon dubbed the they normally shy away from, which turned forest to demonstrate commitment to con- ‘Mau-Egerton University Cross Country 2015’ out to be quite a fete for them. According to servation. The event, a joint partnership of under the slogan “Run for the Mau” whose the athletes, it was great platform for them Capacity Africa, Friends of Kereita Forest So- objective was to raise funds for rehabilitation to see where their strengths lie in the world ciety, Kenya Forest Service and Kereita Forest of the Mau ecosystem and the Njoro River as of marathons as they competed with some of & Wildlife Association, was aimed at raising well as to create environmental awareness. the top professional runners in Kenya. They funds to plant over 30,000 trees and support The event took place on 7th Feb- emerged among the top 20 runners under the conservation efforts within Kereita Forest. ruary, 2015 and attracted a large number of 21km race, something their team leader was athletes, corporates and even school children. proud off. KFS was represented by a strong contingent The campaign had over 17,000 participants KFS 2015 Forestry Golf Series Launched By Michael Muratha and forestry, coming merely a few days after cording to him, the golfers were very pleased The inaugural Kenya Forest Service the conclusion of the hotly contested Barclays to be able to take home a tree seedling and commercial forestry promotion golf sponsor- Kenya Open. also expressed their appreciation for the Ser- ship took place recently at the Karen Country Speaking during the prize giving vice’s conservation efforts throughout the Club, an event which also marked the launch Ceremony, Kenya Forest Service Board Chair- country. He however stated that the ceremo- of the KFS Golf Days 2015 calendar. The turn- man Peter Kirigua urged golfers to continue nial tree planting event be given more promi- out was quite impressive with over 200 golf- in the same spirit of forest conservation and nence prior to the golfers’ tee off times in -or ers from across Nairobi region taking part. management both in and out of the golf clubs. der for everyone to participate, as it is central Constituting one of the multipronged ap- He also urged them to venture into commer- to the KFS mandate. proaches in forestry development initiatives, cial forestry as a sure way of increasing our In addition to driving increased tree the KFS Golf Open Days are aimed at increas- country’s tree cover to the stipulated 10%. growing, the KFS Golf Days in 2015 will also ing tree growing both for conservation and Winner of the day Benson Kangethe who push for value addition of forestry products enterprise. The initiative specifically drives scored a total of 39 stable points, attributed and entrench conservation messages. Since commercial forestry, provides essential infor- his win to a good course, good team and the its inception, the sporting initiative- hasat mation to commercial tree growers and links good weather and promised to work with the tracted more than 1,000 golfers annually, and them to forestry resource persons nearest to Service in forest conservation efforts. has assisted in planting more than 500,000 their specific tree enterprises. It also aims to The event was very well received seedlings countrywide. encourage individuals, groups and corporates as one Mr. Onesmus F. Kibuna commented. The series will in the coming months to take up tree growing for commercial pro- “I wish to thank the Kenya Forest Service for head out to Thika Sports Club, Limuru Country duction. sponsoring the golf event as it was a magnifi- Club, Sigona Golf Club, Nyali Golf & Country The event at the Karen Country Club cently organized one. The tent, décor and KFS Club and finally Eldoret Club respectively. led to the congregating of some of the lead- high quality branded merchandize visible ev- ing corporate and business gurus around golf erywhere was quite impressive,” he said. Ac-

THE FORESTER :: JANUARY -JUNE 2015 25 FROM THE FILES

A grazing licence that was issued by a former Chief Conservator of Forests, J.P. Logie

26 THE FORESTER :: JANUARY - JUNE 2015 LEISURE

DOWN 1. It collects Sunlight falls in the autumn. 2. Another name for a bough of a tree 3. Smaller than a forest. 5. When a seed starts to grow it is said to....? 6. Name for Pine leaves? 8. Decaying wood and leaves turn into this. 10. Seed of a Hazel or Beech 12. Plants need this to live. 15. The outside covering of a tree. 17. You would use this to chop a tree or split logs

ACROSS 4. This type of tree. 7. Holds tree in the ground. 9. Acorn, conker and ash keys are examples of...? 11. All plants grow towards this. 13. The body of the tree. 14. A wood is a.... for lots of wildlife. 16. The name given to lots of fallen leaves. 18. Much larger than a wood.

The Man: How do you grow so strong, Tree, sturdy and straight and Dialogue of a Man and a Tree true? The Man: Why do you grow so tall, way up there in the sky? The Tree: I live in the light of the sunshine and yarn for the sky’s deep The Tree: I love the heights that are clean and free, where the lonely blue; the clean, sweet air is always mine, and the cold winds help me eagles fly, where the crane and the hawk can nest with me, and my too. friends, the geese, go by. The Man: How do you live so long, Tree, so much longer than man? The Man: What do you use for food, tree to make you grow and The Tree: I’ve geared my days with the Creator’s ways since ever the grow? world began. There is no death when life keeps faith with nature’s The Tree: I live on a diet of Nature’s best from my roots deep down wonderful plan.— below; I never go hungry, I rest and rest and wait for the rain and the

snow. ~ Vincent Godfrey Burns, Poet Laureate of Maryland, 1965

POETRY “Go Plant a Tree” “I will plant a tree”

God, what a joy it is to plant a tree, The rainy season is here again, And from the shallow earth watch it rise, The time for all to think of environment, Lifting its emerald branches to the skies What a better way of protecting it, In silent adoration; and to see Than to plant trees for the future, Its strength and glory waxing with each spring. I will plant a tree. Yes, ‘tis a good and a gladsome thing If I plant a tree that bears fruits, To plant a tree. Or I plant one that doesn’t bear fruits, Nature has many marvels; but a tree Birds would still come too soon, seems more than marvelous. It is divine. For food and shelter from the tree So generous, so tender, so benign. I will plant a tree. Not garrulous like the rivers; and yet free See how lovely is the tree, In pleasant converse with the winds and birds; The seedlings shooting from the soil, Oh! Privilege beyond explaining words, The leaves getting greener each day, To plant a tree. The branches splitting to a huge tree, ~ Ella Wheele I will plant a tree. ~ Sylviah Wishenga

THE FORESTER :: JANUARY -JUNE 2015 27 KNOWKNOW YOUR TREES YOUR TREES

Warburgia Ugandensis

It is a tall evergreen tree native to Africa with scaly, pale green or brown bark. Leaves alternate, simple, dotted with glands, blade oblong-lanceolate, elliptic or oblong-elliptic, 3-15 x 1.4-5 cm. Fruit a berry, at 1st green andWarburgia ellipsoidal, later sub Ugandensis spherical and turning purplish, 3-5 cm in diameter,Pepper-Bark skin leathery, glandular. Tree, East Seeds African 2 or more Green with Heart. oily endosperm, compressed,It is a tall more evergreen or less tree cordate, native yellow-brown, to Africa with 1-1.5 a scaly, cm pale long. grey It or occurs in lowlandbrown bark. rainforest, Its leaves upland are very dry glossy evergreen dark green forest above, and simple, its relicts dot in- sec- ted with glands, blade oblong-lanceolate, elliptic or oblong-elliptic, ondary bush land and grassland, also on territories in swamp forest. The 3-15 x 1.4-5 cm. Its flowers are yellow-green, 5-7mm long. The fruits treeof doesthis tree well are at berries, an altitude at first greenof between and ellipsoidal 1000-1200m when young, above and sea level. later sub spherical and turning purplish, 3-5 cm in diameter, leathery skin and glandular when ripe. Its seeds are usually two or more with Uses:oily endosperm, compressed, more or less cordate, yellow-brown and 1-1.5 cm long. It occurs in lowland rainforests, and drier upland Fruitevergreen edible all forests parts and have it relictsa hot in peppery secondary taste. bush The land leaves and grassland, and seeds are sometimesalso on territories used to in swamp add flavorforest. The to treecurries. does Leaves,well at an podsaltitude and seeds arefed to livestock.of between It 1000-1200m makes good above timber sea for level. building and furniture, also used as firewood. The heartwood contains sesquiterpenoids that can be used against armywormsUses: widely occurring in African crop pests. Dried bark is commonly Its fruits are edible and have a hot peppery taste. The leaves and usedseeds as aare remedy sometimes for stomach-ache, used to add constipation,flavor to curries. toothache,The leaves, podscough, fever, muscleand seedspains, areweak fed joints to livestock. and general It produces body pains. good Fresh timber roots for are building boiled and mixedand with furniture soup formaking the prevention and is also usedof diarrhea. as firewood. Bathing Thewith heartwood a leaf decoction NATIVE NAMES Kikuyu-NATIVE muthiga NAMES is usedcontains as a cure sesquiterpenoids for several unspecified that can skin be diseases. used against The inner armyworms bark is reddish, widely occurring in African crop pests. Dried bark is commonly used Luo-K sogomathaikuyu- muthiga bitter and peppery and has a variety of applications. It provides treatment for as a remedy for chest pain, common cold, malaria, stomach-ache, Maasai-Luo- ol’sognoi sogomatha the common cold; dried and ground to a snuff it is used to clear sinuses; and Nandi- soget constipation, toothache, cough, fever, muscle pains, weak joints and Maasai- ol’sognoi it is chewed, or smoke from the burning bark inhaled, as a remedy for chest Meru- musuuni general body pains. Fresh roots are boiled and mixed with soup for Nandi- soget complaints.prevention The ofbark, diarrhea. roots or Bathing leaves canwith be a boiledleaf decoction in water and is usedthe decoction as a Kipsigis- moisot Meru- musuuni drunkcure to for treat several malaria, unspecified but this causes skin diseases. violent vomiting.The inner Itbark is a isgood reddish, shade tree Luyhia- apache Kamba-Kipsigis- muuba moisot aume andbitter is used asand an ornamental.peppery and Fallen has leaves a variety provide of green applications. manure and It mulch. provides treatment for the common cold when dried and ground to a snuff it Luyhia- apache is used to clear sinuses; and it is chewed, or smoked from the burn- Kamba- muuba aume ing bark inhaled, as a remedy for chest complaints. It is a good shade tree and its fallen leaves provide green manure and mulch. This tree is however now rare around Nairobi due to over exploitation.

28 THE FORESTER :: JANUARY - JUNE 2015 28 THE FORESTER :: JANUARY - MARCH 2015