NAIROBI, Kenya- The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has removed illegal structures in Makutani Forest, Baringo County, as part of efforts to secure the forest from encroachment.
According to KFS, a two–roomed iron sheet structure was erected at Lekirati area deep inside the forest, in an attempt to defeat its gazettement through the directive of a local leader.
“This is in contravention of the Forest Conservation and Management Act No. 34 of 2016, which prohibits erection of any building within a gazetted forest except where the same is allowed for a prescribed fee,” KFS said.
The agency said the structure posed a security challenge and attempted to legitimize encroachment and settlement by pastoral communities. Action was therefore taken to demolish the structure.
STATEMENT ON ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN MAKUTANI FOREST Kenya Forest Service undertook an operation on 3rd January, 2026, to secure Makutani forest, in Baringo County. The operation included removal of illegal structures which had been put up in recent months in an attempt to grab the
Addressing Misleading Reports
KFS addressed misleading information circulating online suggesting that the illegal structure was a school used by neighbouring residents.
“Kenya Forest Service has since noted misleading information online, implying that the illegal structures consisted a school that was being utilized by neighbouring residents. Any other reports to the contrary are meant to create conflict in an area that is already prone to insecurity and should therefore be disregarded,” the statement read.
The service said patrols are ongoing to secure the forest from any other attempts to encroach upon it.
“Patrols are ongoing to secure the forest from any other attempts to encroach upon it,” KFS confirmed.