KEFGA In Kisumu

Hon. Sammy Weya- Kenya Forest Growers Association (Vice-Chairman) during the Kisumu sensitization event 

Hon. Weya chatting with Kisumu Senator Hon.,. Anyang Nyongo and Ndhiwa MP Hon. Aghostino Neto before the start of the event 

KEFGA Technical Consultant Kennedy Kahembe joins Benson Kanyi and Gen. (Rtd) Humphrey Njoroge;  KEFGA Secretary General and Chairman respectively 

Hon. Anyang Nyongo with Mrs. Dorothy Nyongo and Hon. Neto

Hon. Anyang Nyongo making his speech 

Hon. Neto during his speech. 

Kisumu Senator supports KEFGA’s Cause 
Professor Anyang Nyong’o, Senator Kisumu county, has called upon the government to recognise commercial forestry as a profitable and sustainable business venture that can positively impact on the economy as well as improve the livelihoods of rural populations through employment.

Prof’ Nyong’o noted that in the recent past, several of the country’s natural forests have suffered deforestation due to the high demand of wood. At the same time, the country’s largest paper plant ‘Pan Paper’ closed down mainly due to insufficient supply of wood, the basic raw material.

“I am aware that about 60 percent of Kenya’s wood supply comes from imports. This is proof enough that we need to tap into the wood business which we are greatly losing out to our neighbouring countries where we import from, said Prof Nyong’o.

He added at “In order to address the country’s wood supply need, I believe that commercial forestry is the only viable solution. I am therefore in full support of the sector and my appeal is for my fellow parliamentarians to include commercial forestry in the Forest Bill.”

In the current Forest Bill, which is due for debate in Parliament soon, private commercial forestry is hardly recognized and most emphasis is on conservation of natural forests in the limited state forests.

Prof’ Nyong’o was speaking during a sensitization programme on the importance of Commercial Forestry hosted by the Kenya Forest Growers Association (KEFGA), a national association championing for commercial Forestry in the country.  

Echoing his remarks was Member of Parliament, Ndhiwa Constituency Hon’ Aghostinho Neto, who said that Kisumu and Nyanza regions have conducive weather for tree growing and farmers should consider venturing in tree farming more so because of the current building boom in the country.

“I think this initiative by KEFGA has the potential to positively impact the rural community. It should therefore be supported by both the county and national government,” said Hon. Neto.

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The Question and Answer session during the Kisumu Media Briefing

Q: How much does one need to register with KEFGA?
Gregory Waga Journalist from Kenya News Agency

A: For 20 acres and below, one needs Ksh.5, 000 for registration and Ksh.2, 000 for annual subscription. 20 acres and above, one required Ksh.25, 000 for registration and Ksh.5, 000 for the annual subscription. (Mr. Benson Kanyi. Secretary General KEFGA)

Q: Does KEFGA have plans of opening up branches in Kisumu?
  Rushide Oudia Journalist from Standard Newspaper

A: We have plans to open up branches in several regions in the country but this is dependent on the number of farmers joining the association. We cannot open up branches if we don’t have farmers. Nyanza has the potential to benefit from tree farming given the county’s weather, favourable for tree growing as well as the good quality of soil. (Mr. Benson Kanyi. Secretary General KEFGA)

Q: What does a farmer stand to gain by joining KEFGA?
Prof Anyang Nyong’o
A: One of the benefits is technical advice on value addition for better end products and this will automatically translate to better prices. In addition, marketing, we can connect farmers with potential buyers.  (General (Rtd) Humphrey Njoroge, Chairman, KEFGA)

Q: What precautions should one take while planting Muringa tree to prevent damage from animals?
Prof Anyang Nyong’o
A: The most important thing is to heavily invest in security; a strong fencing structure as well as manpower. (General (Rtd) Humphrey Njoroge, Chairman, KEFGA)

Q: Is commercial forestry included in the current Forest Bill?
Maurice Alar Journalist from The Star Newspaper
A: The current bill which is due for debate in Parliament soon, hardly recognized commercial forestry and most emphasis is on the conservation of natural forests in the limited state forests. The commercial forestry sector in a big way contributes to the conservation because the sector provides a solution to wood demand hence easing pressure on the natural forests. We are therefore challenging the government to include the sector as it has the potential to contribute to economic growth. (Mr. Benson Kanyi.)