The Kenya Forests Working Group (KFWG), a sub-committee of the East African Wildlife Society (EAWLS), is a national network established in 1995. Our mission is to promote the sustainable management of forests in Kenya by conducting research, advocating for forest conservation, fostering networking, and developing partnerships to improve livelihoods for all Kenyans. Over the past 25 years, KFWG has been actively involved in addressing issues related to public forest encroachment, policy development, capacity building, and implementing forest management plans.

One particular area of concern for the KFWG is the Aberdare Forest. It serves as a vital water tower, a key biodiversity area, and home to various wildlife species, including those classified as globally threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), such as the Mountain Bongo.

The construction of the proposed Ihithe-Ndunyu Njeru Road project would have severe consequences for Kenya's biodiversity, including:

·       Destruction of 300 hectares of delicate ecosystems, including moorland, closed canopy forest, a wildlife habitat designated as a national park, wildlife corridors, wetlands, and other important conservation areas. This loss could disrupt wildlife migration and lead to a decline in wildlife populations.

·       Reduction of water flow to the Sasumua and Ndakaini dams, Athi and Tana River, Ewaso Nyiro, Lorian Swamp, River Malewa, and Lake Naivasha. This would negatively impact key economic activities and livelihoods, causing losses in horticulture, hydro-electricity supply, agriculture, and ecotourism.

·       Impeding the achievement of the presidential directive to achieve 30% tree cover by 2032, particularly affecting forest cover in Nyeri (45%) and Nyandarua (29%). The road construction would involve clearing 25 km of forest, further exposing the country to environmental degradation.

·       Increased illegal activities such as wildlife poaching, logging, waste pollution, and wildlife roadkill during and after construction.

·       Violation of national aspirations and commitments to international treaties, plans, and strategies aimed at conserving our forests, wetlands, and wildlife.

·       Compromised professionalism in handling ecologically sensitive and fragile areas, as evidenced by inadequate Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports, which could result in significant environmental destruction.

We urge you to join the members of KFWG in our efforts to save the Aberdare Forest. Please sign this petition today, calling on the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) to reject the application for a licence for the proposed Ihithe-Ndunyu Njeru Road project. Together, we can protect our precious natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations.