Aston Lukoye
- The First Lady recently announced that she had adopted the forest as part of a campaign to promote the growth of more trees.
The Kakamega forest is one of the most visited in the region. The tropical rainforest is also one of the country’s largest. It stretches for 200 square kilometers, from the end of Nandi County to Vihiga and Kakamega counties.
How well do you know the Kakamega Forest?
If you are not from the area, you must come with me throughout this article.on your way to the end of Nandi county, you meet this new son to her excellency, first Lady, Rachel Ruto. From the road view, the Kakamega forest showcases it’s beautiful tourism attraction.
A beautiful River Yala runs through the beginning of the well-known Kakamega forest. Which dumps its water to Lake Victoria.
Aside from providing adequate water to residents, the long River also serves as a water supply for various habitat within the forest.
Animals in their natural habitat in the Kakamega forest
The Kakamega forest is home to a variety of animals.
Monkeys and Chimpanzees
These animals live in the forest. They are known to be creating trouble for residents because they rely on crops grown on farms within the metropolitan area.
Snakes.
When it comes to snakes, the Kakamega forest is home to over 35 different species. According to research, it is paradise to the country’s deadliest and most venomous snakes.
Hippos.
With the presence of the River Yala, Hippos are almost certainly present. According to locals, hippos have recently been spotted in the forest on several occasions.
The benefits of the Kakamega forest
Despite having the most venomous snakes, the Kakamega forest provides benefits to its residents.
The area provides residents with an adequate supply of firewood. It also produces charcoal, which is exported outside of the country.
The Kakamega forest also serves as a grazing area for locals’ domestic animals.
The area also assists residents in exercising their circumcision rights. The ‘Terek’ of the Nandi community and the Tiriki of the Luhya community are two tribes that perform in the forest.
Due to a lack of rains in the country, the government is making plans to plant more trees. This has prompted the first lady to adopt the area in order to encourage more tree growth for the sake of future safety.
