The Role of the Community in the Management of Forests in Kenya: A Case of Elgeyo/Marakwet County

Abstract

The sustainability of life on earth is closely linked to better legal mechanism that spells out ways and means to manage forests in a sustainable way. Good management of forests in Kenya, ensures that the present and future generations’ livelihood is secured. This study investigated the role of the community in the management of forests. The study was guided by the theory of “network governance” advanced by Miles and Snow (1986). The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population was Forest officers, members of youth groups, the provincial administration the local community and other stakeholders. The data was collected using both questionnaire and interview schedules. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the target population from the youth groups and the local community while convenience sampling technique and purposive sampling was used to select the members of provincial administration, forest officers and other civil servants. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The study established that local participation is imperative hence, there is need for more institutional capacity building, transparent, effectiveness and efficiency management of forests. Keywords: Community, Environment, Forest, Involvement, Management