FOMAWA’s pamphlet sets out its many ambitions, and in the course of time it is hoped that most of these will be achieved. However it is little over six months since Jacob Mwanduka was taken on as the Project Coordinator, and I became Chairman, and with limited resources in manpower and cash, and not wanting to trip at the first hurdle, we have sought to set off down the roads, which showed the greatest promise. We have had some success and eggs have been laid for future hatching.

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We have been busy since our April newsletter. In those four months, we have felt our way forward, seeking to spend time and money to the best effect. We are conscious that if we cannot help to bring about change, and that means improvements, on the ground, then we are not achieving the aims we have set ourselves.

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 Since the last Newsletter ten months ago there has been a change in Government. We have Welcomed the positive signals they have sent out about caring for the environment, and while we Appreciate that change and planning must go hand in hand, and there has not been much time

For the latter, consider that we should not be shy in educating policy makers, and in promoting our ideas of sound policies.

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Forestry is a long-term business, and it is essential that the Government puts in place the kind of policies that should stand the test of time, and get forestry back on its feet; but nevertheless progress is disappointingly slow. We have been busy on strategic/political matters, as well as doing practical things on the ground, and this newsletter concentrates on both.

a) The indigenous Forests and Water catchments

It is disappointing to report that in 2004 there were no signs that the Government is becoming concerned about the state of the main water towers, and intends to start repairing the damage that all of them, but most particularly the Mau, have suffered over recent years. Satellite imagery shows that the destruction of the indigenous forest on the Mau continues, and in the absence of the Government's willingness to discuss openly, just what its objectives and policies are, we are driven to the conclusion that apathy and complacency remain the order of the day.

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a) The Indigenous Forests and Water Catchments

While there have been evictions around Narok, (and we do not intend to go into the rights and Wrongs of this) there is no evidence of a determination by the Government to put the indigenous Forests on the way to recovery. Illegal occupation and extraction, including the removal of

Bamboo continues, and little if anything is done about it. We have met the Minister for Environment and Natural Resources and left with him a note on the issues which we believe need to be addressed. He promised to consider these points and come back to us, but more than three months have elapsed and nothing has happened.

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Welcome to the New Year which we hope will be happy and prosperous for our readers. A Forlorn hope given the incompetence of Government. As usual this newsletter is in two parts;-

1. What is the Government up to?

2. What is FOMAWA doing?

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 1.     Friends of the Mau Watershed, Fomawa, an NGO with the two specific objectives of seeing that the indigenous catchments are protected, and in promoting good commercial forestry, has been operating for five years, a milestone which gives good reason for writing an objective assessment of what has happened during that period, with ideas on how to make progress in the future.  In this note we restrict ourselves to commercial plantations.

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The Njoro River near Njoro Town. Stagnating and polluted water, and severely eroded banks. The main problem is the destruction of the Indigenous Catchment resulting in seasonal flows. Sort that out and then concentrate on issues along the course of the river.

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Mau complex under siege   click here to download