NLC CEO Kabale Tache Arero Defends Protection of Public Forests Before Parliamentary Committee

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Land Commission (NLC), CHRP Kabale Tache Arero, on Friday appeared before the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining to address a petition concerning the proposed degazettement of certain public forests.

The session, chaired by Mwala Member of Parliament Hon. Eng. Vincent Musyoka, brought together key government officials including the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Barasa, and the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Forestry, Mr. Gitonga Mugambi.

During the deliberations, Arero underscored the critical importance of safeguarding Kenya’s forests, describing them as part of the country’s national heritage and an essential public resource.

He noted that forests play a vital role in protecting communities from natural disasters while also serving as crucial ecological systems that sustain biodiversity and environmental balance.

Arero further emphasised that preserving forest cover is central to ensuring sustainable development and protecting the livelihoods of communities that depend on these ecosystems.

The parliamentary committee agreed with the position presented by the National Land Commission. It was resolved that a multi-agency site visit would be undertaken to assess the situation on the ground and guide an informed decision regarding the petition.

The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public land and supporting the government’s broader environmental agenda, including President William Ruto’s ambitious initiative to plant 15 billion trees by the year 2032 as part of efforts to restore ecosystems and combat climate change.

The Commission reiterated that protecting forests remains a national priority and called for collective action to safeguard the country’s natural resources for present and future generations.