Kisumu Senator supports KEFGA’s Cause

Hon. Sammy Weya - KEFGA National Vice-Chairman making his remarks during the sensitization and awareness creation event in Kisumu town recently.  

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.