The controversy surrounding the Mau Forest in Narok County has now been laid to rest following President William Ruto’s handover of the title deed to the county government.
The President pointed out that the National Government would also fence off the water tower to enhance conservation. Initially, 100km of the forest will be fenced off.
The President was speaking during the launch of construction works of the Narok International Airport at Ewaso Nyiro in Narok North Constituency during the first of a two-day visit to Narok County.
The airport is expected to be completed in 15 months.
“In an effort to end long-running conflicts over the Mau Forest, I have come here today with a title deed to officially hand it over to the Narok County Government. This will ensure the controversy surrounding the forest finally comes to an end,” President Ruto said.
Will residents be allowed back to Mau Forest?
He clarified that the government would not allow residents to go back into the forest, saying he had fulfilled his pledges over the Mau Forest and put to shame earlier allegations that he was opposed to conservation.
“We have now closed the chapter on Mau Forest. There will be no politics or debate over the Mau Forest that many have used for political contests for a long time,” he said.
Disputes over the Mau Forest have for long led to deadly conflicts over incursions into the water catchment area.
“A lot of lies were said about me in regard to Mau Forest conservation during the 2022 presidential campaigns. But under my watch, not a single person has illegally entered the forest. On the contrary, we have removed people from the forest,” he said.
At the same time, President Ruto disclosed that the government has bought 6,000 acres of Kedong Ranch land and will allocate it to the residents of Narok.
Part of the contested land hosts key regional infrastructure, including the Naivasha Inland Dry Port.
“You, the people of Narok, told me you wanted a share of Kedong Ranch. The government has now given 6,000 acres in addition to the 4,000 acres you already had, bringing the total to 10,000 acres,” President Ruto announced.
He further explained that beneficiaries of the land would receive their title deeds when Narok leaders forwarded the names.
The President told the leadership of the county to present the names of the beneficiaries to the Ministry of Lands so that the process of preparing title deeds could begin.
The Kedong Ranch has long been a thorny issue among the Maasai community, with political leaders previously accusing powerful politicians of attempting to grab the land.
Importance of Narok International Airport
On the Narok International Airport, the President said that when complete, it will promote tourism by enhancing access and connectivity to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve.
“It will reduce aircraft landings and take-offs within the reserve, thereby supporting conservation efforts. The project will also create jobs and boost foreign exchange earnings,” he said.
Present were Governors Patrick Ntutu (Narok), Joseph Lenku (Kajiado), several MPs and MCAs.
