No Mau evictions yet says Secretariat

The interim coordinating secretariat has dismissed claims that there would be evictions from Mau Complex in the coming weeks.

The secretariat however said it would remain on course in rehabilitating the forest as the forest's boundary demarcation goes on.

A statement from the Hassan Noor-led secretariat on Thursday said; "To date, the Secretariat has completed the profiling of the settlers residing inside the Maasai Mau Trust land Forest and the collected data is being analyzed. The establishment of the arrangements for compensation is likely to take several months."

The statements said the entire process would be undertaken within the laws of Kenya, with regard to the rights of the affected settlers and in accordance with the Mau Task Force Report recommendations as approved by the Cabinet and Parliament.

It said the survey of the boundaries of Eburru Forest Reserve has been completed.

The Secretariat has secured funds from donors for the survey of four forest blocks: Transmara and South Western Mau (USAID) and Maasai Mau (Narok County Council) and Ol Pusimoru (Kenya Forest Service).

"The survey of these four forest blocks is progressing well, although at a slower pace in order to enable the necessary sensitization of the communities living along the boundaries."

The survey of five additional forest blocks in the northern part of the Mau is likely to be funded by the European Union.

"The government of Kenya remains committed to the process even as the Mau Forest restoration efforts continues to gain both Local and international support," said the Secretariat