The forest service says viral posts about a razed school are total garbage. The Kenya Forest Service denied reports it demolished a school during an operation in Makutani Forest, Baringo County, calling the online claims misleading and designed to stir up conflict. KFS stated its January 3rd action targeted illegal structures erected deep inside the forest in the Lekirati area, specifically a two-room iron sheet building put up recently to undermine the forest's protected status.
According to the agency, the construction violated the Forest Conservation and Management Act, which bans buildings in gazetted forests without permission and payment. They argued the structure created a security threat and was an attempt to legitimize encroachment by pastoral communities, directly opposing conservation goals. Patrols have since been increased to prevent further settlement.
KFS warned that narratives contradicting their official statement are dangerous in an already volatile region and should be ignored. They maintained the demolition was a lawful exercise of their duty to protect public forest land from illegal grabbing.
According to the agency, the construction violated the Forest Conservation and Management Act, which bans buildings in gazetted forests without permission and payment. They argued the structure created a security threat and was an attempt to legitimize encroachment by pastoral communities, directly opposing conservation goals. Patrols have since been increased to prevent further settlement.
KFS warned that narratives contradicting their official statement are dangerous in an already volatile region and should be ignored. They maintained the demolition was a lawful exercise of their duty to protect public forest land from illegal grabbing.
