NAIROBI, Kenya- Senior officials from the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) have conducted surveillance and engagement visits to forest operation areas in Cherangany and Mt Elgon, reinforcing the government’s commitment to forest conservation and protection.
The visits were carried out between January 1 and January 2, 2026, by the Senior Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests for Forest Conservation and Management (SDCCF-FCM), Dr Clement Ng’oriareng’, who also serves as the Principal Deputy to the Chief Conservator of Forests.
Dr Ng’oriareng’ visited officers deployed in the Cherangany (Tangul) and Mt Elgon (Banantega) operation areas as part of routine surveillance and engagement activities aimed at appreciating officers’ efforts and addressing operational challenges.
He praised the officers for maintaining high levels of vigilance during the festive season, noting that the forest areas remained calm, secure, and free from illegal activities that threaten conservation efforts.
SURVEILLANCE VISITS TO CHERANGANY AND MT ELGON FOREST OPERATIONS AREASForest conservation and protection is a round the clock activity that requires forest officers to be on high alert at all times including during holidays. It is for this reason that the Senior Deputy Chief
“The officers have demonstrated commendable motivation and commitment in safeguarding forest resources within their jurisdictions,” Dr Ng’oriareng’ said.
He emphasised that forest officers play a critical role as a link between the Service, local communities, and forest ecosystems, particularly in the implementation of the government’s 15-billion-tree growing and landscape restoration initiative.
The senior official urged officers to uphold discipline, integrity, and professionalism, while strengthening collaboration with local communities to enhance effective forest protection.
Dr Ng’oriareng’ also conveyed New Year goodwill messages from the Chief Conservator of Forests, Alex Lemarkoko.
He was accompanied by Deputy Commandant Wilson Leboo, Assistant Deputy Commandant Patrick Nanagwa, and North Rift Conservancy Regional Commandant Peto Akudunyang, among other officers.
