Ministry to Revoke Illegal Land Titles in Gazetted Forests

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry has announced its decision to revoke all land title deeds held by individuals and organizations within gazetted forests across the country.

The ministry has deemed these land titles expressly illegal and a threat to sustainable forest management.

In a recent statement, the ministry highlighted that all land titles within gazetted forests will be revoked, and deserving entities engaged in noble activities, such as research, will have their titles converted into special use licenses. The Kenya Forest Service will issue these licenses.

" For deserving entities involved in noble activities including research in gazetted forests across the country, their titles shall be converted into special use licenses to be issued by Kenya Forest Service," read part of the statement.

The Cabinet Secretary for  Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Hon Soipan Tuya visited Ololua Forest in Kajiado County on April 3, 2024, to address concerns related to encroachment by the local community.

The visit was attended by Senator Seki Lenku and Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo, among other area leaders.

The initiative to revoke land titles within gazetted forests is focused on addressing immediate concerns of alleged land grabbing and ensuring sustainable forest management.

The Environment Cabinet Secretary has emphasized that the annulment of unlawfully acquired land titles is crucial for the long-term conservation of Kenya's forests.

Kenya's forests play a vital role in preserving biodiversity, regulating climate, and supporting the welfare of local communities. Revoking illegal land titles is essential to protecting and conserving these invaluable natural resources.