Browsing by Author "Wanderi, Hannah Wamuyu"

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    Enforcement law on conservation and management of forests in kenya: Case study of mau forest
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2013) Wanderi, Hannah Wamuyu
    The study seeks to evaluate the enforcement of law in the protection of forests in Kenya. It focuses on Mau Forest Complex which is the biggest water tower in Kenya. A lot of livelihoods across the region are also supported by this forest. The study has been necessitated by the continued degradation of this forest despite there being an elaborate legal framework providing for protection of forests. The biggest challenge affecting this forest is encroachment which has been a problem in enforcement. There is lack of unity of purpose in dealing with this problem by various government agencies. Most encroachers have faced eviction others have been evicted and others keep on going back to the forests because of the delay in resettlement. An action plan in dealing with encroachment is in place but there is no legal backing. Many cases are pending in court challenging the process of repossession of land. This delay has enabled further encroachment by the forest communities. Failure of involving the communities in the management of the forest has also contributed to the encroachment and destruction of the forest. There has also been the problem of the regulators having contradictory policies, one of conservation and another on commercialization of timber products. The research involved field work and documentary review. The study has looked into other challenges cited by the regulators which weaken forest law enforcement. Among other recommendations, it is suggested that embracing participatory forest management where forest communities are involved and initiating judicial reforms in training in the area of environmental protection will contribute largely in effective enforcement.