The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has refuted claims of sexual exploitation by its rangers in Bungoma County, stating no such cases have been recorded. A Citizen Digital report alleged that rangers were blackmailing locals for access to firewood. KFS says the allegations lack specifics and pledges cooperation with law enforcement.
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) issued a statement on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, denying allegations of sexual exploitation by its rangers in the Mt. Elgon forest ecosystem in Bungoma. A Citizen Digital exposé claimed rangers were blackmailing women and girls desperate for firewood, citing fear of reprisal and cultural pressures as key factors allowing such cycles to continue. KFS stated that no cases have been reported to the service, the National Police Service, or other law enforcement agencies in Bungoma County.
"The Service also notes with a lot of concern that the allegations have remained general without giving specific sites, stations, dates of occurrences or even identities of alleged perpetrators of sexual violence," the KFS statement read in part. It referenced Chepkurkur Primary School, located about 12 kilometers from the forest boundary, deeming it unlikely for primary school girls to travel that distance for firewood. Additionally, a 2023/2024 investigation by government agencies examined high rates of early pregnancies in local schools but did not link them to firewood collection in gazetted forests.
Regarding Sabaot Land Defence Forces (SLDF) activities from 2006 to 2008, which involved atrocities including gender-based violence, no cases implicated forest officers. KFS emphasized that its officers receive regular briefings on professionalism, ethical standards, and human rights-based approaches to forest management. "KFS does not condone or in any way abet any form of GBV and any reported case will be thoroughly investigated," it assured, encouraging victims to report to authorities and pledging cooperation with investigations.
