President William Ruto has ordered the immediate dismissal of 23 Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officers accused of wrongdoing.
Ruto stated during the graduation of KFS graduates in Gilgil, Nakuru County, that a number of officers had engaged in corrupt activities that resulted in the destruction of several forests.
He further ordered that the authorities be prosecuted for their illicit activities.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) was also directed to complete its investigations into the 23 officials and others accused of corruption within the agency.
“I have instructed the KFS board that all those involved in corruption be fired and prosecuted.” “We’ve already identified 23 forest managers and rangers.”
“Those responsible for forest destruction should be removed from government.” I do not want them on the government payroll as of tomorrow. “These are saboteurs,” he declared.
On the other hand, he urged the Ministry of Environment, led by CS Soipan Tuya, to execute reforms in the agency, which he emphasized was critical to the implementation of climate change programs.
“KFS needs to be thoroughly cleaned up.” I have asked the Ministry to put an end to the tragedy that has become KFS.”
“We are going to take all necessary steps to protect our environment and ensure that good officers have an opportunity to serve our country with integrity,” he said.
The President also warned that he would deal with firms and individuals who planned to benefit from illegal logging, despite the fact that his administration was committed to planting 15 billion trees.
