Mwangi disclosed that the department had suspended grazing activities in Lugari forest for a period of one month starting 1st October 2016 saying the ban was an annual event across all public forests as per the Forest Act and aims at allowing forests time to
rejuvenate before allowing animals back.
“At the moment we have placed the ban in Lugari forest,” he said, adding that later, other forests such as Turbo and Nzoia will be affected.
“Farmers in this zone should stop relying on this land for grazing,” he said warning that they should now focus on finding alternative areas for their livestock.
He, however, expressed his disappointment over what he termed as a deliberate defiance of the government notice by people living around Lugari forest.
The official said his office had received allegation reports indicating that a section of the locals were grazing animals in the banned forest during night time.
“Any person caught committing such an offense would be liable for a harsh penalty of up to Kshs. 50,000,” warned Mwangi.
He said farmers from Lugari zone will be allowed back in the forest from the month of November while those from Turbo and Nzoia will keep off until December.
He also reminded them to observe grazing requirements once the ban is lifted whereby they are expected to pay a fee of Kshs. 100 per cow and donkey and Kshs. 20 per sheep and warned against grazing in young plantations.
