The government has started the process of recruiting forest rangers to help drive President William Ruto’s agenda towards the attainment of 30 per cent forest cover by 2032.
Kenya Forest Service said it will conduct a nationwide recruitment exercise of 2,000 rangers on March 8.
The number is, however, a short of the 700 ordered by Ruto in October last year.
Also to be recruited are 40 forest assistants and 260 foresters.
“KFS invites qualified, performance-driven and highly motivated individuals to fill the positions of forest ranger, forest assistant and forester. This will enable the service to fulfil its mandate effectively and drive the country towards the attainment of 30 per cent tree cover by 2032, from the current 12.13 per cent," read the notice.
"The terms of employment for these positions will be on a permanent and pensionable basis upon successful completion of the training and subsequent confirmation."
Recruitment will be conducted at designated centres in each of the counties.
Ruto had directed KFS to recruit 2,700 forest rangers and 600 forest officers to help in the realization of his dream of planting 15 billion trees in the next five years.
He expressed his concern about climate change and its impact on the country noting only 5.2 million square kilometres of the country’s 59.2 million square kilometres was under forest cover.
“Without a doubt, climate change is complicating our roadmap towards socio-economic transformation and achievement of sustainable development goals,” the President said.
Qualified candidates must possess a KCSE mean grade of D (plus) and must not be above 28 years among other requirements.
Those intending to be employed as forest assistants should have a KCSE mean grade of D (plus) and a certificate in forestry while the foresters are required to possess diplomas from recognised institutions.
They are to submit their applications not later than March 7.
