Elders embark on a mission to restore Kaya Forest

Kaya elders in Kwale County have begun restoring the degraded Kaya Tiwi Forest amid the harsh effects of climate change threatening its existence. 

The elders claim that Kaya Tiwi Forest, which is located in the Matuga sub-county, has undergone severe deforestation as a result of deliberate deforestation by those who claim to be its true owners.

They believe that the current pathetic situation of the forest, which was once home to ancient trees, is a leading contributor to global warming.

Speaking yesterday at Kaya Tiwi in Matuga sub-county, Hamisi Mwajao, one of the elders, said they have taken the initiative to restore the lost dignity of the sacred forest and help fight climate change through enhanced conservation of forests and the environment.

"We want to bring to life this forest and protect it for an improved ecosystem and we hope this exercise will help mitigate the effects of climate change and restore our sacred place," said Mr Mwajao.

Mwajao hoped the elders would plant over 10,000 native fruit trees to support President William Ruto's vision of planting 15 billion trees. Milicia excelsa, baobab, and neem are some of the native trees that the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) is donating for planting at Kaya Forest.

To ensure total participation in the restoration campaign, the elders are collaborating with the locals, who are dedicated to ensuring the mission succeeds.

"We have been having challenges conducting our annual prayers because of how open this place has become. We hope in the next five to 10 years the forest will be back to its best," Mwajao stated and appreciated the locals for joining hands with the elders.

Kaya elders Hamisi Mwajao, Nlela Kirungu and Hamisi Bwika at Kaya Tiwi Forest in May 2024. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

Land grabbing 

However, they face the uphill task of protecting the forest from land grabbers. Last year, the elders locked horns with investors who wanted to clear the forest for development purposes.

Kwale County is home to about 10 Kayas, and with the Mijikenda community diligently protecting their religious and cultural beliefs for many years, protecting the forest against developers is an exercise they are willing to sacrifice any effort for.

Mwajao claimed that the exploitation of the forest by land grabbers endangers not only the environment but also their spiritual well-being and way of life.

He said that since the invasion of forest lands in the county, calamities such as severe drought and floods have struck the region.

"Previously, we were unable to conduct our rituals because the forest had been severely damaged. Now, residents will be able to pray," a hopeful Mwajao stated. 

Another Kaya elder, Hamisi Bwika, urged the government to enhance the protection of forest lands and reclaim the grabbed ones.

"Kayas are protected places. We ask the government to save them from the land grabbers who are out to invade them," he pleaded, adding that both county and national governments must ensure that people uphold conservation rules.

Junior Kaya elder, Ali Mwachangu, called on President William Ruto to end historical land injustices while lamenting that the region was retrogressing because of land grabbing and the destruction of natural forests.

Tourist attraction site

The Kaya Tiwi borders the famous Kongo Beach River and the historic Kongo Mosque, which act as tourist attraction sites.

Nlela Kirungu, an activist, said kayas play a significant role in the community as they hold ancestral history and promote cultural heritage.

She added that the tree-planting exercise will also ensure women are engaged in conservation.

Kaya elders and Kwale County residents plant trees to restore Kaya Tiwi Forest in May 2024. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)