President William Ruto has ordered the immediate firing of 23 Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officials over corruption allegations.
Ruto mentioned that certain officials had engaged in fraudulent activities that resulted in the destruction of numerous trees while speaking at the graduation ceremony for KFS graduates in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
He further ordered that the authorities be prosecuted for their improper actions.
Additionally, it was mandated that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) complete its inquiries into the 23 and other personnel who are alleged to have engaged in corrupt practices at the agency.
“I’ve told the KFS board to terminate and prosecute everyone found to be involved in corruption. There are now 23 forest managers and rangers available.
“The government should dismiss those responsible for the devastation of forests. I don’t want them on the government payroll starting tomorrow. These individuals are saboteurs, he commanded.
On the other hand, he also gave the CS Soipan Tuya-led Ministry of Environment instructions to undertake changes within the organization, which he said was essential for the success of climate change programs.
“KFS has to be thoroughly cleaned. I’ve given the Ministry orders to put an end to the disaster that had become KFS.
“We are going to take all necessary steps to protect our environment and ensure that good officers have an opportunity to serve our country with integrity,” Ruto said.
The President also threatened to take legal action against businesses and anyone who intended to profit from unlawful logging.
He continued by saying that his government was committed to planting 15 billion trees and that the new KFS members would aid in the effort.
Ruto urged the new recruits to work diligently because the government has increased job prospects by hiring twice as many people.
