By Sylvia Mueke
President William Ruto has announced that the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) will begin funding its own budget starting next year.
Speaking during a pass-out parade for KFS inspector-cadets and foresters in Gilgil, Nakuru, the head of state emphasized the importance of self-sufficiency for government agencies.
He has praised KFS for its ability to raise the majority of its budget through internal resources and urged other agencies to adopt similar practices to reduce reliance on government funding.
“Because of the reforms that have been carried out this year we only supported KFS to the tune of Sh 280 million the rest of the Sh4.7 billion budget is raised by kenya forest service itself and i have the undertaking of the minister and the kenya forest service that from next year the kenya forest service will exit from requiring services from the ex checker and they will run their own affairs using their own internally generated resources.”
President Ruto also congratulated kenya forest leaders as he acknowledged the strides made in eradicating illegal logging since he assumed office.
“In the last two years illegal logging and criminal activity around our environmental resources has reduced by 90%.”
President Ruto has also called for increased transparency in the awarding of tenders related to public resources in forests.
He directed KFS management to ensure that all tenders are conducted clearly and openly to maximize the value derived from the nation’s forest resources and enhance industrial capacity.