Laikipia County is lagging in environmental restoration efforts, with a forest cover of only 11.2 percent far below the national target of 30 percent. This was revealed by County Conservator Peter Kariuki Kooro during the International Day of Forests celebrations held on Friday.
Speaking at Thaama Primary School in Maina location, Nyahururu sub-county, Kooro emphasized the need for a concerted effort to accelerate tree planting initiatives in the county. He noted that Laikipia must plant 37 million trees annually to meet the national goal, a target achievable only if residents actively engage in tree planting on their farms and homesteads.
Laikipia County Commissioner Onesmus Kyatha linked the region’s persistent human-wildlife conflicts to environmental degradation. He explained that deforestation and destruction of animal habitats force wildlife to encroach on human settlements in search of food, leading to increased conflicts. Kyatha condemned the rampant destruction of forests, attributing it to land appetite and unchecked human activities.
“The perennial human-wildlife conflicts we experience in this county stem from the destruction of animal habitats. When forests are cleared for settlements or farming, wildlife is displaced, pushing them into human settlements,” Kyatha stated.
Beyond environmental concerns, the Commissioner also addressed security issues affecting the county. He warned livestock thieves operating around Nyahururu and other parts of Laikipia that authorities were aware of their activities. He singled out Losogwa Bar as a known meeting point for criminal gangs planning livestock raids and directed the Nyahururu sub-county security team to shut down the premises immediately.
Additionally, Kyatha expressed concern over the high prevalence of illicit brews in Maina location. He challenged the area’s Acting Chief to eradicate the vice if she hopes to secure a permanent appointment.
With both environmental and security challenges threatening the county’s stability, leaders are calling for collective action from residents. Encouraging tree planting and addressing illegal activities will be crucial in restoring Laikipia’s forests and ensuring a safer community for all.
