FIELD SITUATION REPORT – MAASAI MAU FOREST Today, a team led by the Commandant, Kenya Forest Service (KFS), visited the Maasai Mau Forest to assess the extent of illegal invasion, encroachment, and destruction of the forest by members of the local community. During the assessment, it was established that two KFS ranger camps in the Kabarak and Kamngengoi areas had been completely burnt down also electric fence and forest scout houses had also been burnt down. Fresh fires were also observed at various locations along the forest boundary, with groups of people sighted in the area. Some of the individuals were reportedly armed with bows and arrows. One group was observed seated together in what appeared to be a baraza. The team landed at Toltol Operations Camp, where they were received by the CFC Narok, Base Commander, and County Commander. The Commandant addressed the officers and commended them for their dedication and continued efforts in protecting the forest despite the prevailing challenges. The Commandant encouraged the officers to remain vigilant and continue safeguarding the forest. He further informed them that a multi agency team is to commence a one-month operation immediately targeting the eviction of armed invaders from the forest. As part of the welfare response, officers who lost their uniforms during the burning of the camps were issued with new uniforms. Further welfare arrangements for the affected officers are being addressed. The visit provided an opportunity to assess the security and conservation situation on the ground, appreciate the efforts of the deployed officers, and reinforce operational preparedness ahead of the planned operation.

WORLD BAMBOO DAY CELEBRATIONS MARKED AT MERU UNIVERSITY World Bamboo Day 2026 was marked at Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST), bringing together government representatives, researchers, farmers, exhibitors, students and other stakeholders to celebrate the importance of bamboo in environmental conservation, climate action and economic development. The celebrations were graced by the Forest Development Secretary, Mr. George Tarus, who represented the Principal Secretary for Forestry, Mr. Gitonga Mugambi. He was joined by the Head of Drylands and Farm Forestry, Mr. Albert Nyabuti, who represented the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Mr. Alex Lemarkoko; Meru County Forest Conservator (CFC), Mr. Wellington Ndaka; and Mr. Donald Avude from KFS Headquarters. Also present were KEFRI Board Chairman, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Walter Koipaton; KEFRI Director General, Dr. Jane Njuguna; Meru University of Science and Technology Vice Chancellor, Prof. Romanos Odhiambo; and the CEO of Earthlungs Reforestation Foundation, Mr. Victor Mwanga, among other guests. As part of the celebrations, Mr. Tarus toured various exhibition stands, including the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) booth, where he was taken through the Service’s bamboo initiatives, bamboo commodities produced by Community Forest Associations (CFAs), and other conservation programmes. The KFS exhibition showcased bamboo seedlings, propagation techniques and a range of bamboo products, highlighting the Service’s role in promoting bamboo growing, sustainable utilisation and environmental conservation. In his speech, Mr. Tarus emphasised the need for effective implementation of the Kenya Bamboo Strategy to promote sustainable rural livelihoods, restore degraded landscapes and position Kenya as a regional leader in bamboo development. Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Walter Koipaton, Chairman of the KEFRI Board, called for strengthened collaboration among research institutions, government agencies, academia, communities and the private sector to accelerate bamboo development in Kenya. He noted that such partnerships are critical in translating research and innovation into practical solutions that benefit farmers, enterprises and communities. In her remarks, Dr. Jane Njuguna highlighted the important role of research, innovation and technology in unlocking the full potential of bamboo in Kenya. She noted that KEFRI continues to support the development of improved bamboo planting materials, propagation technologies and knowledge to enhance bamboo production while contributing to environmental restoration and sustainable livelihoods. Prof. Romanos Odhiambo highlighted the role of universities in advancing research, innovation and knowledge-sharing around bamboo. He noted that institutions of higher learning have an important role to play in developing technologies, nurturing skills, and supporting students and communities to explore bamboo-based enterprises and solutions. He further noted that the growing bamboo industry presents opportunities for creating green jobs, particularly for the youth, while supporting Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) and contributing to local economic development. The celebrations provided an opportunity for stakeholders to showcase innovations, share knowledge and explore opportunities for expanding bamboo production and utilisation as part of Kenya’s climate action, landscape restoration and green economic development agenda.

*GSU PASS-OUT PARADE* @CCF_Kenya, (CCF), Mr. Alex Lemarkoko, today joined Service Commanders and senior security officials at the General Service Unit (GSU) Pass-Out Parade held at the National Police College (NPC), Embakasi B Campus. The ceremony, presided over by H.E. President Dr. William Samoei Ruto, marked the successful completion of rigorous paramilitary training by newly trained GSU officers. The comprehensive training equipped the officers with the discipline, knowledge, skills and operational capabilities required to effectively discharge their duties in safeguarding national security and serving the people of Kenya. The CCF was accompanied by KFS Chaplain Amos Ololdapash, and officers from KFS Headquarters underscoring the strong collaboration and coordination among Kenya’s uniformed and disciplined services and their shared commitment to enhancing national security, public safety and effective service delivery.

THE UNITED NATIONS FORUM ON FOREST FIELD VISIT The United Nations Forum on Forests Secretariat (UNFFS) recently conducted a field visit to the Gathioro Forest in Nyeri County to inspect ongoing ecological restoration efforts. Led by Regional Forest Conservator (RFC) Central Highlands, Madam Monica Ndirangu, alongside County Forest Conservator (CFC) Nyeri, Mr. Peter Kooro and the Community Forest Association (CFA) representatives, the delegation toured key rehabilitation sites. As a vital ecosystem, Gathioro Forest plays a crucial role in water catchment protection and regulation, biodiversity conservation, invasive species control, and the support of local livelihoods through sustainable economic activities. During the guided tour, the KFS team, joined by the CFA members, demonstrated the practical work underway to restore degraded areas and mitigate environmental threats. KFS leadership and community representatives expressed deep appreciation for the UNFFS initiative, highlighting the positive impact of international support on local conservation. They urged the UNFFS to maintain and expand its collaboration with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to ensure long-term ecological resilience and the successful rehabilitation of this critical landscape.

DAY TWO WORLD BAMBOO EXHIBITION AT MERU UNIVERSITY The second day of the National World Bamboo Expo 2026 at Meru University continued with exhibitions and stakeholder engagements, with various bamboo products displayed across different booths. Key speakers included Anne Fidelis Itubo, Head of Participatory Forest Management at KFS Dr. Jane Njuguna, CEO/Director of KEFRI,Dr. George Mbeva Muthike , Deputy Director, Forest Products and Entrepreneurship Development at KEFRI, who shared information on the different types of bamboo, their characteristics and suitable areas for planting. Participants were guided on where different bamboo species can be planted, the conditions required for their growth and the importance of selecting suitable species depending on the intended purpose. Bamboo was highlighted as an important resource that can contribute to landscape restoration and the national tree-growing agenda. The Women in Bamboo session highlighted the important role of women in the bamboo sector and emphasised that bamboo is a whole value chain, not just a plant. The discussions highlighted opportunities for women and other stakeholders in bamboo growing, processing, value addition, manufacturing and marketing. The second day provided an important platform for knowledge sharing, networking and promoting bamboo as a resource for environmental conservation, climate action, livelihoods and economic empowerment. Among those present were KEFRI Chairman Lieutenant General (Rtd.) Walter Koipaton Opiato, KEFRI Director Dr. Jane Njuguna,National Environment Complaints Committee CEO Mary Njogu and the CFC Meru County Wellington Ndaka.

KFS CONCLUDES ISO 9001:2015 AUDIT The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has concluded its two-day ISO 9001:2015 audit, assessing the Service’s Quality Management System and departmental processes against international quality management requirements. The closing meeting, officiated by Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Alex Lemarkoko, brought together KFS management and auditors from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to review the audit findings and key areas for improvement. The assessment provided an opportunity to identify gaps and strengthen institutional processes, operational efficiency and service delivery. KFS remains committed to quality assurance, accountability and continual improvement in delivering services to stakeholders and the public.

KFS HOLDS FIRST STAFF PENSION FUND AGM The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Staff Pension Fund has held its first Annual General Meeting (AGM), bringing together members and key pension stakeholders to review the Fund’s performance and discuss members’ retirement benefits. The hybrid meeting, held at KFS Headquarters, Karura, provided members with an opportunity to receive updates on the Fund, seek clarification and engage with the Trustees and service providers on pension-related matters. Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. George Muthike, encouraged members to increase their Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) to strengthen their retirement savings. @CCF_Kenya (CCF) Alex Lemarkoko, EBS, ‘ndc’ (K), addressing his first Pension Fund AGM, urged staff to actively participate in the scheme and embrace early retirement planning to secure their financial wellbeing after service. The AGM reaffirmed KFS’s commitment to employee welfare, accountability and prudent management of pension resources for the benefit of its staff.

CS BARASA OPENS NATIONAL WORLD BAMBOO EXPO 2026 IN MERU Cabinet Secretary for @Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, CS Deborah Barasa, today officially opened the National World Bamboo Expo 2026 at Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST), under the theme, “Sustainable Bamboo for Climate Action, Economic Growth and Empowerment.” The expo brought together farmers, exhibitors, investors and delegates to showcase the potential of bamboo in advancing climate action, economic development and sustainable livelihoods. The Chief Guest was accompanied by Meru Deputy Governor H.E. Linda Koome, Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) Director General Dr. Jane Njuguna, Forestry Secretary Administration Patrick Meso and MUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Romanus Odhiambo, among other guests. The CCF was represented by GZDSP II Mr. Jerome Mwanzia and County Forest Conservator Mr. Muli Ndaka. CS Barasa toured various exhibition booths, including the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) stand, where she was taken through different bamboo species and innovative bamboo products such as butter knives, cups, gutters, chicken feeders and toothbrush holders. The products demonstrated the potential of bamboo for value addition, enterprise development and income generation. In her remarks, CS Barasa encouraged Kenyans to tap into the growing demand for bamboo products and embrace bamboo as a viable enterprise opportunity. She noted that bamboo demonstrates resilience, regeneration and resourcefulness, while offering opportunities for climate action, economic growth and empowerment. She announced that the Government plans to establish 10 bamboo nurseries across the country, with a combined capacity to propagate more than 10 million bamboo seedlings, contributing to the national tree-growing campaign. The CS also commended the creativity and innovation demonstrated by entrepreneurs and exhibitors at the expo and called for increased investment in bamboo processing and value addition. She assured stakeholders of Government support for bamboo projects and urged investors and other stakeholders to explore the sector as a sustainable economic opportunity, emphasizing that Kenya is open to investment in bamboo.

CCF OFFICIATES OPENING MEETING FOR ISO 9001:2015 AUDIT @CCF_Kenya (CCF), Alex Lemarkoko, has officiated the opening meeting for the ISO 9001:2015 audit at Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Headquarters, marking the start of the assessment of the Service’s Quality Management System. The two-day audit, conducted by auditors from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (@KEBS_ke), brings together KFS management and the audit team to assess departmental processes and systems for conformity with ISO 9001:2015 requirements, while identifying areas for improvement. ISO certification provides organisations with a structured framework for quality assurance, efficient processes, accountability, continual improvement and consistent service delivery. For KFS, the audit underscores the Service’s commitment to strengthening institutional systems, improving operational efficiency and enhancing the quality of services delivered to stakeholders and the public.

STATEMENT BY KFS ON THE ILLEGAL OCCUPATION OF KARURA FOREST BY MUTHAIGA GOLF CLUB.

SOUTH HOR FOREST ADJACENT COMMUNITY PAYS CCF A COURTESY CALL Community representatives from areas neighbouring South Hor Forest, led by Samburu Senator @SenLelegwe , today paid a courtesy call on the @CCF_Kenya, (CCF), Mr. Alex Lemarkoko, to discuss matters concerning the conservation and sustainable management of the forest. The community representatives expressed their willingness to work closely with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to support the sustainable management and conservation of South Hor Forest. They noted that the forest plays an important role in supporting the environmental, cultural and livelihood needs of communities living in the surrounding areas. The CCF thanked the community representatives and Senator Lelegwe for their commitment and commendable efforts towards the conservation of the forest. He assured them of KFS’s support and continued collaboration with the adjacent communities in promoting the sustainable management and protection of South Hor Forest.

KFS LAUNCHES TOOL FOR REGULAR TREE-COVER MONITORING Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has launched a technology-driven tool to support regular and cost-effective monitoring of tree cover and strengthen evidence-based forest management. Developed through the KFS–Japan International Cooperation Agency (@jica_direct_en) collaboration under the SFS-CORECC Project, the tool was piloted in Makueni County using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery and machine-learning approaches. The pilot recorded over 80 per cent accuracy, with tree-cover mapping achieving 84.4 per cent tree cover accuracy and land-cover mapping 81.1 per cent land cover accuracy. The 2026 assessment estimated Makueni’s tree cover at 14.72 per cent and forest cover at 6.83 per cent. The Chief Conservator of Forests, Alex Lemarkoko, was presented with the tool by the Forest Survey and Information Department at KFS Headquarters, Nairobi. The tool will complement periodic national assessments, including the 2021 National Forest Resources Assessment, by enabling more frequent monitoring of changes in tree cover and providing timely spatial information to guide conservation, restoration and tree-growing interventions. The initiative strengthens KFS’ application of remote sensing, geospatial technology and machine learning in monitoring Kenya’s forest and tree resources.

KFS SENIOR OFFICERS STRATEGISE ON FOREST PROTECTION The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the protection and security of Kenya’s forest resources through enhanced prevention, surveillance, intelligence and risk mitigation. The commitment was made during the closure of a two-day Protection and Security Senior Officers’ Workshop at the KFS Mau Conservancy Headquarters in Nakuru, attended by Regional Commandants from KFS conservancies. Closing the workshop, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Mr. Alex Lemarkoko urged officers to prioritise prevention, surveillance, accountability and risk mitigation in safeguarding forest resources. “Protection and security has a lot to do with the protection of our forests. Lead by example, take responsibility, and place greater emphasis on prevention, surveillance and risk-mitigation measures,” said the CCF. KFS Commandant Mr. Mohammed A. Mohammed called for continuous review of protection strategies to address emerging threats. The workshop reviewed forest security challenges and identified measures to strengthen intelligence, surveillance, investigations and operational preparedness. The workshop was hosted by Mau Regional Forest Conservator Mr. Dennis Kerengo and Regional Commandant Mr. David Mutoro.

KARURA FOREST OPENS ITS TRAILS TO NEPAL DELEGATION Karura Forest opened its trails to a delegation from Nepal for a learning excursion and guided forest walk during their one week training course under the Japan International Cooperation Agency's (JICA) supported Third Country training Programme. The delegation from Nepal, accompanied by officers from the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), was hosted by Mr. Munene Edward, Overall In-charge of Karura Forest Ecotourism Facility and Mr. Peter Njui - Friends of Karura Community Forest Association (FKFCFA). The guided walk gave the visiting delegation a practical exposure to sustainable forest management, climate change adaptation initiatives and community participation in urban forests management while appreciating the Karura's ongoing forest restoration programme. The engagement reflects KFS's continued commitment to knowledge exchange and technical cooperation in support of sustainable forest conservation, in line with the Constitution and national forestry development priorities. Present also was the Forest Station Manager Mr. Maina and technical staff from the FKFCFA.

KFS, NEPAL DELEGATION SHARE FOREST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) hosted a delegation from Nepal at the KFS Headquarters for a knowledge-sharing engagement on sustainable forest management, forest conservation and ecosystem restoration. Led by Dr. Ram Chandra Kande from Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment, was received by the Senior Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests, Ms. Zipporah Toriotich, who chaired the meeting. The delegation explored key areas including real-time forest fire detection and control systems, community participation, responsible utilization of forest resources and conservation approaches. The discussions offered practical insights into how KFS is applying these approaches to strengthen forest protection and sustainable management. The exercise demonstrates KFS’s commitment to strengthening partnerships, promoting technical cooperation and advancing knowledge exchange in support of sustainable forest conservation and management, in line with the Constitution and national forestry priorities.

STATUS OF KARURA FOREST AND MUTHAIGA GOLF CLUB      I.         Karura Forest was surveyed in the early 1920s with the Survey being registered in 1923.    II.         The Forest covering approximately 1,041.1 hectares was declared as a Forest Reserve vide Proclamation No. 44 of 1932. Later, like all the other state forests that were gazetted prior to independence, this forest was declared a Central Forest vide Legal Notice No. 174 of 20th  May 1964.  III.         Muthaiga Golf club claims ownership of LR No. 13134/3 which encroaches onto Karura gazetted Forest by 21.8Ha. Approx.  IV.         Owing to the difference in ownership positions between the two entities, a meeting will be held at KFS HQs aimed at seeking an amicable solution.

KFS COMPLETES INTERNAL ISO 9001:2015 AUDIT, READY FOR EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has completed its management review and is conducting its 19th Internal ISO 9001:2015 Audit ahead of the upcoming external assessment. The management review, chaired by the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Alex Lemarkoko, brought together heads of directorates and departments to assess the effectiveness of the Service’s Quality Management System and identify areas for improvement. The internal audit is evaluating departmental systems and processes for conformity with ISO 9001:2015 requirements, while identifying gaps and corrective actions ahead of the external audit. The exercise demonstrates KFS’s readiness for the external ISO 9001:2015 audit and reinforces its commitment to quality, compliance, accountability and continuous improvement in service delivery.

KFS Holds Exit Meeting with Auditor-General’s Office Audit plays a critical role in promoting accountability, transparency and prudent management of public resources in Kenya. It provides institutions with an independent assessment of their systems and operations, while highlighting areas that require improvement to strengthen service delivery and compliance with established requirements. In line with this commitment, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has held an exit meeting with representatives from @OAG_Kenya led by Mr. Victor Nyaribo, following an audit of the Service. The meeting, chaired by Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Alex Lemarkoko, presented an opportunity to review the issues and observations arising from the audit process and discuss appropriate corrective measures. The engagement provided an opportunity for KFS to clarify issues raised, review identified gaps and agree on measures to strengthen internal controls, operational systems and compliance. KFS continues to prioritise accountability, transparency and responsible stewardship of public resources, recognising audit as an important mechanism for continuous institutional improvement and enhanced service delivery. The Service remains committed to implementing appropriate measures arising from the audit process and strengthening its systems to support efficient, accountable and sustainable forest management and conservation.