The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has clarified on claims circulating on social media alleging the grabbing of land within the Menengai Crater area, assuring Kenyans that the forest remains intact and under full protection.

In a statement released on November 7, KFS clarified that no part of the gazetted Menengai Forest in Nakuru County has been encroached upon or grabbed.

The agency said its surveyors had verified the boundaries, confirming they remain “well demarcated and intact.”

“The area being referenced in the reports lies outside the gazetted forest boundary,” the statement said, calling the social media reports misleading and inaccurate.

KFS explained that the ongoing Menengai Forest Fencing Project is a legitimate conservation initiative funded by the African Development Bank under the GreenZones Development Support Project Phase II.

The project covers approximately 55 kilometers around 6,014 hectares of forest.

Agency Confirms Public Participation Was Done

According to the agency, all necessary public participation and stakeholder consultations were carried out before the project began to ensure transparency and community involvement.

“Menengai Forest plays a vital environmental, economic, and social role by supporting water catchment, biodiversity, eco-tourism, and local livelihoods,” KFS noted, adding that the fencing initiative is meant to prevent encroachment and enhance safety for visitors and neighboring communities.

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The Service explained its commitment to protecting Kenya’s public forests under the Forest Conservation and Management Act of 2016, stating that conservation remains central to its mandate.

“KFS categorically refutes all allegations of land grabbing and reiterates its unwavering commitment to conserving and protecting Kenya’s public forests,” the statement read in part.

KFS also urged the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities within or near forested areas to the nearest KFS office, saying public vigilance is key to sustainable forest management.

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What Made Menengai Forest Allegedly Grabbed

KFS said the photo was shared online indicating land adjacent to the forest which is demarcated.

After the photo went viral, KFS was forced to clarify stating that the potion of land in Kiamunyi area adjacent to Menengai Forest is private land.

“The photo being circulated and allegedly depicting a grabbed portion is actually private land. Kenya Forest Service is in the process of putting up an electric fence to secure this important forest,” KFS said.

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A section of Rangers from the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) during a past operation. PHOTO/DN