They are a common sight in parts of Isiolo County: Machete and axe-wielding men walking inside bushy areas felling trees and shrubs that will be incinerated into pieces of charcoal.
It is this well-known norm that fuels demand for charcoal that has caught the eye of the Kenya Forest Service officials in the county.
And now County Ecosystem Conservator Geoffrey Mwaura has warned residents against wanton felling of trees for charcoal, blaming it for prolonged drought cycles experienced in the region. While warning of stricter measures against charcoal burners, Mr Mwaura appealed to locals to plant more trees during the ongoing short rains in an effort to increase the forest cover.
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He singled out the community at Ngaremara area, who are popular for charcoal burning, an activity mostly undertaken by women.
He appealed to residents to seek alternative sources of income.
Many area residents, who also practise pastoralism, rely on charcoal burning to provide for their families due to poverty.
“Ngaremara is known for tree felling, charcoal burning and sale and it is time our people plant more trees and protect the existing ones in an effort to stem climate change,” said Mr Mwaura.
The Nation
