Deforestation in Kenya

Deforestation in Kenya describes deforestation in Kenya. In 1963 Kenya had forest cover of some 10 per cent and by 2006 1.7 per cent.^[1]

The Kenya Forestry Working Group has estimated that Kenya will lose ca US$300 million each year by deforestation from the tourism, tea and energy sectors.^[1]

Mau Forest case in 2009

In 2009 in Kenya’s Rift Valley 400,000 hectare (ha) Mau Forest was destructed. Between 2004 and 2006 more than 100,000 people were forcibly evicted from their homes in forested areas in Kenya. In August 2009 Kenya Forestry Service issued a 14-day eviction notice on people living in the Mau Forest, which was overturned by the prime minister, Raila Odinga.^[1]

Forest importance

Forests are basis of water catchments in Kenya. Their destruction increases pressure on a population grappling with hunger and water shortage and power shortage. Forests are important for protecting ecological diversity, regulating climate patterns and acting as carbon sinks. According to Nobelist Wangari Maathai 20 per cent of global warming emissions may be due to deforestation.^[1]

See also

• Environmental issues in Kenya

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d} Global Corruption Report 2011: Climate Change, The plunder of Kenya’s forests Resettling the settlers and holding the loggers accountable Sheila Masinde and Lisa Karanja (Transparency International Kenya) 280-282