Kitui County Government under the leadership of Governor Charity Ngilu on Tuesday banned the charcoal production and sand harvesting in the region.
Speaking after holding a meeting with all stakeholders including the County Government Commissioner, Governor Ngilu explained that such activities pose an environmental risk in the Eastern region.
"Following a consultative meeting held today between the National Government and the County Government, it has been resolved that there be a total ban on the harvesting of sand and charcoal production," she stated.
The transportation of forest produces, including charcoal, whether licensed or not was also banned in the county.
She pointed out that the decision was reached by the County officials owing to the suffering of the Kitui residents due to the hazardous activities.
[caption caption="Charity Ngilu at a past presser"]
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"Our forests are being cleared because of charcoal burning, and we have said that time is now for us to take action, we are not going to have any more charcoal burning, and we are not going to have any more sand harvesting," she explained.
Reiterating the Governor, the Kitui county commissioner Boaz Cherutich assured the county of maximum support from the national government in implementing the ban.
He affirmed that the police force would be harnessed to ensure the directive is fully implemented.
"On our part as the national government, we have agreed with the security officers that they are going to implement and enforce this directive,” Mr Cherutich stated.
[caption caption="Charcoal production activity "]
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