President Ruto presides over graduation of 2664 Forest Rangers

Nakuru, 

Wednesday, 11 October, 2023 

McCreadie Andias 

President William Ruto has today presided over an event that saw 2664 new Forest Rangers graduate in Gilgil, Nakuru County. 

President William Ruto has said the Government has enhanced the capabilities of forest rangers to protect the country’s forests.

The Government, he added, has invested in technology to improve operational capabilities in surveillance, data collection and evidence-based forestry management.

The President said the new commissioned officers must at all times ensure accountability and urged them to exercise their authority responsibly.

The President cited the revamping of rangers’ training and the upgrading of their equipment to align with the demands of their roles.

The goal, he explained, is to curb illegal logging, charcoal burning and other forms of interference with the integrity of forests.

“Our increased vulnerability to extreme weather and climate change is the consequence of negligent and dangerous human activity, such as the wanton destruction of forests,” he added.

Ruto urged the rangers to serve with diligence and utmost integrity. 

"I encourage you, therefore, to go forth as patriotic servants of the people of Kenya, and render your professional service with discipline, dedication, diligence and unyielding integrity," Ruto said.

The 2,664 recruits went through a six month training before the graduation also this being the highest cohort to ever graduate from the class.

The last recruitment of rangers was done in 2002, when 1,000 rangers were employed. 

The ceremony was conducted at the Forest Law Enforcement Academy at the National Youth Service paramilitary academy in Gilgil, Nakuru county.

The Head of State reminded them that their mandate in relation to protecting forests goes beyond just their training.

Ruto said the rangers were joining the country's national economic transformation equation as the people’s trustees and guarantors of fundamental constitutional mandates and custodians of our forest value chain.

"As the largest class ever to graduate from this institution, you are aware of our firm commitment to developing adequate capacity to keep illegal logging, charcoal burning and other forms of unlawful encroachment and interference with the integrity of our forests at bay," he said.

"This commitment extends to training and equipping of personnel, and investing in technology to improve operational capabilities in surveillance, data collection and evidence-based forestry management."

The Head of State asked the rangers to champion the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Programme and lead the country in the realisation of its ambitious plan to grow 15 billion by 2032. 

President Ruto observed that the nation’s development agenda relies on its climate action initiative to mitigate climate change.

“Our lives and livelihoods depend on the protection and sustenance of our biodiversity and the mitigation of climate change,” he said.

He noted that Kenya is a strong champion of climate action with a track-record of Pan-African and global leadership and participation in such frameworks, programmes and initiatives that have shaped global climate action.

Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, Governors Susan Kihika (Nakuru) and Andrew Mwadime (Taita Taveta), MPs led by the host Martha Wangari, MCAs and other leaders were present.