The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has announced a major plan to fence all gazetted forests across the country in a bid to protect them from illegal activities and human encroachment.
In a statement issued on May 4, KFS said the nationwide fencing programme is aimed at clearly marking forest boundaries, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and safeguarding the environment for future generations.
The agency explained that the move will help restore ecosystems, support biodiversity, and protect important natural resources such as water catchment areas and soil stability.
According to KFS data, Kenya has between 289 and 304 gazetted forests covering about 2.5 to 2.6 million hectares of land. These forests play a critical role in the country’s environment, with major water towers like the Mau Forest, Mount Kenya, Aberdares, Mount Elgon, and Cherangani supplying about 75 percent of Kenya’s fresh water.
However, these forests have been under pressure for years due to illegal settlements, farming, and population growth, which have led to widespread encroachment and destruction of forest cover.
KFS noted that fencing will create a clear boundary between forests and nearby communities, helping to reduce conflicts involving wildlife and prevent further invasion of protected land.
The initiative comes as the government pushes an ambitious plan to plant 15 billion trees by 2032 and increase national tree cover to 30 percent as part of efforts to fight climate change.
Overall, the plan marks a major step in forest conservation, as authorities move to protect Kenya’s remaining green spaces and ensure sustainable use of natural resources.