Environment CS Soipan Tuya has announced an operation that will be undertaken on all forests across the country.
In a statement dated Thursday, the CS acknowledged noted they will be targeting forest encroachment and unlawful logging that has been witnessed across the country's forests.
Already, the operation has begun in Mau forest with a multi-agency team led by the Rift Valley Regional Commissioner overseeing the process.
Tuya also directed for the exercise to be undertaken in a humane manner to avoid the destruction of life and property.
The CS also reiterated that genuine communities living around the forests will not be affected by the evictions.
"Meanwhile, plans are underway to delineate forest boundaries and work with state and non-state partners to fence off the forest so as to deter future violations.
"Besides the Mau Forest Complex, the multi-agency security operation to end forest crimes that include encroachment, unlawful logging and charcoal burning will be extended to all forest ecosystems across the country," read the statement part.
On the other hand, the CS urged Kenyans to cooperate during the process to avoid confrontation with the multi-agency team.
Kenyans with information on the destruction of forests to report to the Ministry through the toll-free hotline; 0800724570.
The announcement by the CS came days after President William Ruto ordered the eviction of squatters who had encroached Mau Forest.
Speaking in Narok County on October 1, Ruto also revealed that the government would fence the water tower which he noted was important in the country.
“Those already in the forest (Mau) should get out immediately because we are putting up a fence. And it is not a request,” the President ordered.
Notably, days later, Ruto also ordered the firing of 23 Kenya Forest Service (KFS) employees who were accused of aiding unscrupulous business individuals and companies in unlawful logging.
