Kindiki to resolve conflict between farmers, Forest Service in Dundori Forest

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during the inspection of the ongoing construction of the Dundori Economic Stimulus Program Market in Bahati, Nakuru County on April 24, 2025/DPCS

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has moved in to resolve the conflict between farmers around Dundori Forest and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) over the shamba system.

Speaking on Thursday during an inspection tour of Dundori Economic Stimulus Program Market in Bahati, Nakuru County, Kindiki directed the KFS to allow limited and orderly access for farming activities and planting of trees.

He, however, insisted that this must be done without compromising the forest's ecosystem.

“We have heard what the people have said, and I have asked the forestry people (Kenya Forest Service) not to disturb the people, but even you, the people, when you go there, do what you have agreed with the forest service not any other business.

“We are going to work with your leaders, and I have called for a meeting next week. KFS will be present and we shall agree on the way forward,” the Deputy President said.

Shamba system is an agroforestry approach in Kenya where local communities cultivate food crops alongside tree seedlings in government-owned forests.

This system aims to establish and maintain forest plantations while also providing food security and livelihood opportunities for surrounding communities.

He said during the meeting, they will also discuss and begin the commencement of the process of land adjudication, surveying and issuance of at least 3,000 title deeds to residents of Dundori.

Kindiki said this will bring to an end years of land ownership grievances and uncertainties in the area.

The DP said that they will also sort out other land issues across the county.

“I have been told that this area has no title deeds, and I have talked to the Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretary in charge of lands, as well as the county government, and we have agreed that we must hasten the process of issuing title deeds in Dundori.

“In Nakuru, there are title deed issues in Subukia and Gilgil, and I have called for a meeting on Tuesday at my Karen office. The leadership of the County Government of Nakuru, elected leaders, Ministry of Lands officials and the KFS so that we sort out the issues of Nakuru once and for all.”

Kindiki was accompanied by the Nakuru County Deputy Governor, David Kones, Bahati MP Irene Njoki, Nakuru County MP Liza Chelule, MCAs, grassroots leaders and Bahati Constituency residents.