No Smoke Without Fire? KFS Denies Sex-for-Firewood Claims

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has dismissed allegations published by Citizen Digital claiming that forest rangers in Mt Elgon Forest, Bungoma County, issue firewood in exchange for sex, terming the claims unsubstantiated and unsupported by any official records.

In response, the Service said it had not received any complaints or reports relating to sexual exploitation or gender-based violence linked to firewood collection within the Mt Elgon forest ecosystem.

KFS stated that, “no such cases have been reported, recorded and or forwarded to KFS, the National Police Service and any other law enforcement agency within Bungoma County.”

The agency further maintained that its routine oversight mechanisms had not revealed any wrongdoing by its officers.

According to KFS, “routine supervision, patrols and administrative checks normally conducted in forest stations within the Mt Elgon forest ecosystem have not revealed any evidence to support claims of sexual exploitation or any form of gender based offences by Forest Rangers.”

Allegations Termed Vague and Unsupported

KFS expressed concern that the allegations were presented in general terms without critical details.

The Service noted that the claims did not identify “specific sites, stations, dates of occurrences, or even identities of alleged perpetrators of sexual violence,” making them difficult to verify or investigate.

The statement singled out the mention of Chepkurkur Primary School in the report, arguing that its location weakens the allegations.

KFS explained that the school is “approximately 12 kilometres from the forest boundary,” adding that it would be highly unlikely for primary school-aged girls to walk such a distance to collect firewood from the forest.

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Early Pregnancies and Past Investigations

Addressing concerns about early pregnancies in schools within the region, KFS said the matter had already been investigated by relevant government agencies in 2023 and 2024.

The Service emphasized that, “at no given time did the investigating team mention or associate the high rate of pregnancies among school-going girls to firewood collection in gazetted forests.”

The agency also distanced its officers from historical atrocities linked to the now-proscribed Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF).

KFS acknowledged that between 2006 and 2008, the forest region experienced widespread lawlessness, particularly in Cheptais, Kaberwa and Kaboywa forest stations, when the illegal gang controlled forest activities.

However, it stressed that “there is no single case on record implicating forest officers” in gender-based violence during that period.

Also Read: Irizi Forest Under Siege as Firefighters Struggle Against Flames and Rugged Terrain

Commitment to Ethics and Human Rights

KFS reiterated that all its officers, including forest rangers, are regularly trained and guided on professional conduct.

The Service said its staff are “consistently briefed and guided on professionalism, workplace ethical standards, strict adherence to the law and relevant regulations,” adding that officers have also been trained on the Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA) in forest resource management.

In a firm assurance to the public, KFS said it does not tolerate any form of gender-based violence.

“We do not condone or in any way abet any form of gender based violence and any reported case will be thoroughly investigated,” the statement read, noting that perpetrators would face severe legal action.

The Service urged anyone with information or victims of abuse to report to the nearest police station and pledged full cooperation with law enforcement agencies.

KFS concluded by affirming its commitment to “upholding and safeguarding the rights of the forest adjacent communities and the integrity of the Service.”

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