Ruto Celebrates Success of KFS Reforms
“We are glad to see the reforms we instituted at the Kenya Forest Service two years ago are finally paying off,” President Ruto stated in his message.
By Robert Mutasi
In a landmark announcement reflecting positive environmental reforms, President William Ruto shared encouraging news regarding the operations of the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) on his verified social media accounts.
During a passing out parade for KFS inspector cadets and forester trainees held at the National Youth Service headquarters in Gilgil on Monday, Ruto revealed that illegal logging in the country has plummeted by an impressive 90% over the past two years.
“We are glad to see the reforms we instituted at the Kenya Forest Service two years ago are finally paying off,” President Ruto stated in his message.
He emphasized that the substantial decrease in illegal logging is a significant step in safeguarding Kenya’s forests and promoting sustainable resource management.
The president praised the KFS for successfully transitioning to a model primarily supported by internally generated revenue, which has notably diminished its dependency on the national treasury, or Exchequer.
“This trajectory should be emulated by other government agencies,” Ruto urged, highlighting the importance of self-sufficiency in governance and the need for public institutions to innovate for long-term sustainability.
The passing out parade served as a celebratory event for the new cohort of KFS inspector cadets and forester trainees who have completed their training and are now poised to contribute to the ongoing efforts in forest conservation and management.
Ruto’s presence at the ceremony underscored the government’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of KFS, which plays a pivotal role in the stewardship of Kenya’s forest ecosystems.
The reforms at KFS, introduced two years ago, aimed to strengthen governance and operational efficiency within the agency.
Encouraging results have begun to surface, showcasing the impact of targeted initiatives designed to combat deforestation and illegal logging activities.
This positive trend is essential not only for preserving biodiversity but also for mitigating climate change effects, an increasingly urgent global challenge.
With these developments, Kenya sets a benchmark for environmental governance in the region, inspiring other countries to prioritize sustainable forestry practices and environmental reform.
As the nation forges ahead, the hope is that programs like these will yield further success, ensuring that Kenya’s natural resources are preserved for generations to come.