By Lauryne Akoth
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has ordered the immediate evacuation of individuals residing in government forests.
other individuals targeted by this directive include individuals living in riparian reserves and corridors. The interior CS made the remarks during a tree planting exercise in Saku, Marsabit County as part of the National Tree Growing Programme.
“We consider climate change and its devastating effects as a National security threat. We must reclaim our environment by growing enough trees for ecological sustainability,” said the CS.
“Those who have encroached on the riparian reserves and corridors must vacate immediately and those who decline will be forcefully evacuated,” he further added.
The interior CS further revealed that so far, the government has relocated more than 181,000 living in riparian areas.
“So far, the Government has relocated more than 181,000 people who had constructed shelters and were living near the Nairobi Rivers Corridor, “Said Kindiki.
“All persons living in Government forests must vacate immediately, including those who have acquired title deeds irregularly and unlawfully,” he further added.
Principal Secretary, of Correctional Services, Bernice Sialal, Principal Administrative Secretary, of National Police Service, Beverly Opwora, Secretary, of National Administration, and Eastern Regional Security Team led by Regional Commissioner Paul Rotich were present.
His orders are in line with the Cabinet’s directives to evacuate all members of the public residing within risky areas including areas near dams and other water reservoirs in public or private land, areas prone to mudslides and landslides, and riparian lands along rivers and other water courses across the country.
Read More: Cabinet Orders Immediate Evacuation Of Kenyans Living In Risk Prone Areas
On May 3rd Kindiki also ordered the immediate evacuation of residents close to 178 dams citing concerns that these dams are nearing capacity and could potentially overflow in the near future.
One hundred and seventy-eight (178) Dams and Water reservoirs situated on Public and Private land in thirty-three (33) Counties have filled up or are nearly filled up and may spill over any time, posing a high risk to persons living in their neighborhood,” noted the Ministry of Interior.
“All persons residing contiguous to the dams and water reservoirs are ordered to vacate the said areas immediately and in any case, within 24 Hours effective today, failing which they will be subjected to mandatory evacuation for their safety,” read the Ministry’s statement in part.
Read More: Government Orders Immediate Evacuation Of Residents Near 178 Dams