Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has raised fresh concern over the future of Kakamega Forest, claiming there are plans to take over part of the protected forest and accusing President William Ruto’s administration of allowing activities that threaten Kenya’s forests.
Sifuna made the remarks on Saturday, August 8, 2026, while addressing residents at Sabatia Market during the Linda Mwananchi meet-the-people tour in Kakamega County.
The senator questioned how any plans to interfere with Kakamega Forest could be considered, saying forests should be preserved instead of being opened up for development.
He also linked his criticism to Ruto’s academic background, noting that the President studied forestry before joining politics.
“Ruto alisomea taaluma ya miti na matawi, lakini yeye ndio anaharibu miti Kenya mzima. Aliingia katika msitu wa Karura na kuweka hoteli, akaweka kitu msitu wa Ngong, na sasa naskia kuna mipango ya kuchukua msitu wa Kakamega. Inawezekanaje?” Sifuna said.
The senator, however, did not give details of the alleged plan involving Kakamega Forest. He did not name a government agency, project or other party that he claimed was behind the reported move.
His remarks formed part of broader criticism of the administration over the management and protection of Kenya’s forest resources.
Kakamega Forest is among the country’s key forest ecosystems and is known for its wide range of plant and animal life. According to the Kenya Wildlife Service, the forest was gazetted as a Trust Forest in 1933, while its northern section, covering about 4,468 hectares, was gazetted as Kakamega National Reserve in 1985.
The forest is home to more than 380 recorded tree species, as well as numerous bird and butterfly species and seven species of primates.
The Kenya Forest Service is responsible for conserving, developing and sustainably managing Kenya’s forests and related resources under the Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016.
Its mandate includes protecting forest resources for environmental stability while ensuring they contribute to the social and economic needs of current and future generations.
Any major changes involving protected forest land would therefore be expected to follow the relevant legal and environmental requirements.
Sifuna’s remarks did not, however, refer to a gazette notice, government proposal or project document showing that Kakamega Forest has been earmarked for takeover.
The senator also mentioned Karura and Ngong forests, which he presented as examples of what he considers growing pressure on forest land.
His comments came as the Linda Mwananchi movement continues its political activities in Western Kenya, where it has been holding public meetings and engaging residents as it seeks to expand its grassroots support ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sifuna has emerged as one of the prominent figures associated with the movement, which has been critical of the Ruto administration and is seeking to build a wider people-driven political platform.
The Kakamega tour has involved visits to markets and other public engagements, with leaders taking their political message directly to residents.
The senator’s claims about Kakamega Forest therefore came amid the movement’s wider campaign against the government and its policies.
Kakamega Forest remains important beyond its location in Kakamega County because of its ecological value and rich biodiversity.
The forest supports a wide variety of plant and animal species and also plays a role in tourism, scientific research and the livelihoods of communities around it.
Its protection remains part of the wider responsibility of safeguarding Kenya’s forest resources and maintaining areas that are important to the country’s environment.