KFS foresters undergo paramilitary training

The KFS Director Mr. David Mbugua addressing the officers and members of the public during the passout

The KFS Board Chairman Prof. Richard Musangi (in suit) inspecting the parade during the passout at Londiani Paramilitary College

One of the graduating officers receives an award for good performance from the KFS Board Chairman Prof. Richard Musangi

A total of 197 Kenya Forest Service (KFS) foresters graduated at a beautiful passing out which took place on 27^th May 2011 at Kenya Forestry College (KFC) Londiani after a rigorous three month theoretical and practical training. The event was presided over by the Chairman KFS Board of Management Prof. Richard Musangi.

In his speech, Prof. Musangi congratulated the graduating officers for having dedicated themselves and performed diligently during the three month course. He added that the training was the first session for foresters in the Service that was meant to inculcate the appropriate skills, tactics and technologies to bridge the long existing gap between the technical officers and the forest ranger ranks. 

The Chairman urged the graduating group to set the pace for others in the reform process and wisely utilize the acquired skills. He also encouraged the graduates to steer off corrupt practices and serve Kenyans and the Service with diligence giving all and expecting nothing in return.

Professor Musangi expressed his gratitude to the administration of the KFC led by the Principal Prof. Donald Ogweno for the developments in the college terming it a focal partner in forestry sector training by imparting skills that are mandatory for implementation of the Forest Act 2005 and the general development of the forest sector.

Speaking at the same event, the Director KFS Mr. David Mbugua urged the officers to create a good public image so as to enable KFS realize its objectives and goals. The Director urged the graduating officers to uphold ethnical standards throughout their work, by being proactive and doing their work professionally. He also encouraged farmers to partner with KFS in order to achieve the 10% forest cover as required by the new constitution.

According to the KFC Principal Prof. Donald Ogweno, the occasion marked yet another milestone for the college adding that the foresters were the first lot to be fully trained by KFC instructors. He also congratulated the officers for having performed exceptionally well in their training.

The graduating officers later joined their friends and family who had come celebrate the momentous occasion. The foresters have been deployed to stations and districts across the country.

Story by Lilian Akoth,  Pictures by Leakey Sonkoyo