Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has reassured Kenyans that Karura Forest remains fully protected, dismissing concerns sparked by reports of ongoing construction linked to the National Youth Service (NYS) within the forest.
Public anxiety had grown after images circulated online showing felled trees and construction activity in parts of Karura, prompting speculation about possible encroachment or plans to privatise sections of the forest. However, Mudavadi moved to quell the concerns, stating that no such threat exists.
“Karura forest is going nowhere. Karura forest will remain safeguarded and protected, and what is there is a 3-acre tree seedling centre that has been there since 1997, and nobody is going to touch Karura forest,” he said.
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has also clarified that the ongoing works are part of a broader national programme aimed at expanding tree nurseries and enhancing forest restoration efforts across the country.
Mudavadi spoke at Maragoli Hills Forest during celebrations marking the International Day of Forests, where he reiterated the government’s commitment to increasing Kenya’s tree cover to at least 30 percent within the next six years.
“We shall restore degraded landscapes and protect our country’s fragile forest ecosystems, thus strengthening Kenya’s climate resilience and creating new opportunities for green jobs and community livelihoods,” he said.
He called on Kenyans across all counties to actively participate in environmental conservation initiatives, emphasising the economic and social value of forests.
“Protecting forests is not only about safeguarding the environment, but more importantly, securing Kenya’s economic future and the well-being of future generations,” Mudavadi added.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary stressed that achieving the country’s ambitious afforestation targets would require a coordinated approach involving both national and county governments, development partners, the private sector, civil society, and local communities.
“Achieving these goals requires a Whole-of-Government, Whole-of-Society approach,” he said, noting that community forest associations and youth groups play a critical role in restoration efforts.
Mudavadi highlighted the economic importance of forest resources, pointing out that they support livelihoods through activities such as beekeeping, eco-tourism, sustainable timber production, and tree nursery enterprises.
“Forest resources also support livelihoods… highlighting the continued importance of sustainable forest management,” he said, adding that wood fuel and charcoal remain key energy sources for many households.
He urged residents of Vihiga County to take an active role in restoring Maragoli Hills Forest, noting that the region’s ecosystem depends heavily on adequate forest cover.
He also encouraged the planting of fruit trees to support both conservation and food security.
“I encourage us to plant fruit trees; this will double as both conservation efforts and also as sources of fruits that the community will eat,” he said.
Mudavadi further linked forest conservation to broader economic development, citing ongoing infrastructure projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway expansion connecting Naivasha, Kisumu, and Malaba, with plans to extend into Uganda and beyond.
He concluded by emphasising the role of forests in supporting industrial activities such as timber manufacturing and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
“Forests are not just environmental resources but are also natural capital that support economic growth and social well-being,” Mudavadi said.