The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has issued a new set of guidelines to Kenyans on the use of the forest resources in their regions.
According to a press release seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the Kenya Forest Service has prohibited the grazing of animals in specific areas and introduced zoning.
"The grazing guidelines have spelt out the following requirements: Forest zonation and mapping will be done to identify designated forest areas suitable for grazing as prescribed in the Participatory Management Plans concerning the forest station (PFMP)," the letter read in part.
The conservationists also went ahead to provide a list of requirements that Kenyans who want to use the forest to feed their animals must adhere to.
"Grazing is prohibited in plantation areas that are less than 4 years old and areas set aside for rehabilitation through natural regeneration and areas set aside for treatment of natural regeneration. Ecologically sensitive areas, including natural springs, swamps and river sources," the Chief Conservator said in the press release.
Farmers who graze their animals in the forest would be required to pay a monthly permit to allow their herds to feed in the forest from 6 am to 7 pm.
"All grazers must obtain a monthly grazing permit before grazing commences. Each Forest station shall maintain a grazing register indicating locality, name of grazer, national identity card number, and number of animals by type, receipt number, and date of payment," the statement said.
The letter gave further guidelines in terms of the number of animals allowed to graze at any designated areas, saying it will depend on the carrying capacity to the land but will be determined by the Forest Station Manager
"Implementation of grazing will be done by CFA Management Committee under the supervision of the Forest Station Manager."
There will be no cattle enclosures or makeshift structures allowed in the forest.
Any farmer who flouts the above rules will be faced with dire consequences as outlined in the statement undersigned by the Chief Conservator.
"Any grazer who flouts the guidelines will lose the right to graze in the forest, be prosecuted or both. Lose any unclaimed animal that may have been arrested for being in the forest illegally," the statement said.
The Service also has the power to withdraw the grazing user right if a grazer or user group breaches the terms and conditions outlined above or where the Service considers withdrawal as necessary for protecting and conserving biodiversity.
According to a farmer who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke, currently, herders pay Ksh100 per cow for a permit to graze for a month.
If your cow is detained for illegally grazing in the forest, you will be forced to part with Ksh500 per cow to secure their release.
Farmers who have been allocated pieces of land in the forest are allowed to plant their maize and some trees for three to four years.
