Farmers in Kinangop, Nyandarua County, are expressing strong opposition to the Kenya Forest Service’s recent decision to ban the shamba system in the area. They describe the move as “uncalled for,” warning that it could result in the loss of crops valued at millions of shillings.
The KFS has issued a 14-day notice for farmers to vacate the Aberdare Forest. In response, the farmers are urging the government to grant them six additional months to harvest their crops, fearing that the directive could undermine years of progress in forest conservation.
For many years, local residents have cultivated land surrounding the forest while simultaneously planting tree seedlings, contributing to an increase in forest cover. Joseph Mwaura from Rwanyambo Village stated that the shamba system has been beneficial for both the community and the KFS. He expressed dismay over the directive, highlighting the significant investments made in farming.
“This government promised to support low-wage earners, but now it feels like we are being oppressed despite our contributions to forest conservation and food security,” Mwaura said. He cautioned that the ban could drive displaced farmers to engage in illegal logging, jeopardizing the conservation efforts established over the years.
Hannah Mwaniki noted that they had recently planted hundreds of tree seedlings and various crops, only to be ordered out of the forest. She emphasized that many families rely on the shamba system, and the ban threatens their livelihoods. “We are calling on the Kenya Forest Service to grant us just six months to harvest our crops; failing to do so will result in significant losses,” Mwaniki said.
Samuel Ndung’u added that they had entered the farming arrangement legally and had collaborated with the KFS for years in conservation efforts. “We have farmed in the forest while planting trees for years, and we are puzzled by the government’s sudden decision to remove us,” he remarked.
A senior KFS official, who requested anonymity, explained that the ban was implemented because some farmers were allegedly using the shamba system as a cover for illegal activities, such as logging. “We have learned that some farmers are exploiting the shamba system to engage in unauthorized harvesting of forest products, which led to this ban,” the official stated
