Kenya’s Mau Forest Swindle
Kenya’s political headlines are monopolised by scandals, of which the Mau Forest swindle is perhaps the most scandalous.
The Mau Forest complex saga has been an ongoing subject of political discussion over the past few years. Located in Western Kenya, it is the country’s largest forest, housing the nation’s main water tower.
As of 2001, during former President Daniel Moi’s administration, approximately 40,000 hectares in the heart of the forest was excised from Kenyans by corrupt political leaders. This corruptly grabbed land was acquired by both past and present politicians. The land was then sold off to gullible buyers who either settled or subdivided their ‘rightful’ chunks of land.
The scale of self-interested politics is frightening as it increasingly leads Kenyan citizens to be held at ransom. Clocks have run out and the lack of action has led to an indefinite future for Kenya. As disaster looms over the country, political craftsmen become ever more egotistical and escape with impunity.
This is not an advice to wave off Kenya as a lawless country, but to expose the truth that most choose to avoid because it calls for responsibility.
Kenya’s tourism has felt the impact of the Mau Forest destruction as water levels drop to an all time low. The effect is more widespread due to the prevailing drought that has stricken various parts of the country; with failed crops as well as water and electricity shortages.
Eviction and resettlement of ‘illegal’ settlers aimed at preserving and restoring the forest cover is said to be the first step towards solving the problem. In August 2009, Kenya’s Premier Raila Odinga formed a task force to prevent further degradation of the forest.
“There has been an invasion by individuals, wanton destruction of the forest by cutting trees for charcoal burning and timber,” Mr Odinga said.
Premier Odinga believes that it is the responsibility of the government to preserve the forest. This is a positive step from the government, but one wonders whether the same view is held by all members. According to the Premier, the task force is aimed at relocating the ‘illegal’ settlers as well as conserving the forest. The Premier’s stance is in an effort to curb the detrimental effects on agriculture and tourism, the country’s main sources of foreign exchange.
The proposed solution has, however, led to political debate drifting members of the coalition government with arguments of the high costs of relocation while others hanker for legal action on ‘unholy’ politicians.
The involvement of politicians is in itself a major obstacle to finding a solution. Most politicians are interested in sustaining their political status in society with ardent interests on electoral support in the upcoming 2012 elections.
The participation of politicians, who in Kenyan politics have to be in the “mature” age bracket, challenges the norm that maturity comes with responsibility. This so-called responsibility would be reason enough for Kenyan politicians to resolve the issue before it becomes an irrevocable crisis. These politicians should put the needs of the citizens first, who at this point in time are nothing more than ‘slaves of pity’.
alicehuho
September 17, 2009 at 9:17 am
The Mau Forest, Kenya
Mau Forest is located in Narok in Southern Rift Valley.
One needs to understand the impact of Mau Forest if it is not restored. Politicians seem to be delaying action on the implementation of actions aimed at resettling and/or evicting those residing there. The interest on restoring the forest should shift from being political and be treated as a national one. If the politians have the interest of Kenya and its people at heart, then they should act swiftly.
annejohn
September 17, 2009 at 11:46 am
THE MAU
Personally I feel scared for our country..I really do pray that Kenyan politicians will WAKE UP and stop thinking about their personal gains but focus on the country and what the destruction of this forest will do to it.
Hopefully the current government will keep their word and stop this devastaton!!
Samson Onguso
September 17, 2009 at 11:28 am
The Mau Forest- Great Subject Area
This is a great piece of work!! Kenya needs more of you. Environmental challenges emanating from human abuse pause a big risk for Kenya’s future as well as water catchment areas that feed from the Mau. Other countries are also at risk.
Global warming which may lead to desertification are real and continue to cost a lot both economically and materially. This notwithstanding, political issues which are costly to Kenyans make it complicated for environmental policies implementation. Human movement is of absolute necessity to insure reforestation.
This issue has been on for long. However, we hope the current government will manage the challenges and live to Kenyans expectations. Our environment, our life, our country. Kudos Lynette.
wangari Waweru
September 17, 2009 at 12:23 pm
THE MAU COMPLEX – THE PRICELESS ASSET
I agree that we need more of you strongly highlighting the plight of the continued degraded and destructed Mau Forest.
Indeed the Mau Complex is not only an asset of national importance that supports key economic sectors in Rift Valley and western Kenya, including energy, tourism, agriculture and water supply, but it is also the single most important water catchment in the Rift Valley and western Kenya.
We do not want Kenya to loose one of its fundamental assets, and hope that the team leading the evictions will move swiftly and carefully.
Well done fellow countryman.
TL Eunice
September 17, 2009 at 1:52 pm
MAU FOREST, KENYA’S HERITAGE.
True and well said.
The encroachment of the Mau Forest by afew individuals, is such a selfish and unpatriotic act.
Not only should Kenyans be enlighten on the importance of preserving their Heritage in whatever form it is, but also the importance of passing the same knowlegde and Heritage to the generations to come.
Thank you for your effort in helping to save one of Kenya’s Heritage – The Mau Forest.
otwg
September 17, 2009 at 5:47 pm
Mau forest
I feel for the next generation of kenyan natives; they might not enjoy what their forefathers struggled to attain. Natural resources should be preserved without politics coming in to play.