The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has officially dismissed serious allegations regarding forest rangers in Mt Elgon Forest engaging in sex-for-firewood arrangements. This response comes after an article by Citizen Digital reported such claims, prompting KFS to clarify that no evidence or complaints have been documented to back these assertions within the communities of Bungoma County. The Service emphasized the importance of accountability and asserted that they have consistently conducted internal monitoring without finding any indications of sexual exploitation or gender-based violence within the forest operations.

KFS stated that their routine supervision and patrols, as well as checks by the National Police Service, confirmed no such incidents had occurred among their staff. The organization condemned the generalized nature of the allegations and called for responsible reporting. The statement underscores their commitment to maintaining a safe environment for both their personnel and the communities they serve, reinforcing their operational integrity against any unfounded claims.

This incident highlights the broader issues of accountability and transparency within governmental agencies in Kenya. It raises questions about the mechanisms in place to address and investigate allegations of misconduct. Furthermore, it underlines the importance of community trust in governmental operations, especially in sensitive areas like governance and resource management, where allegations can impact both the reputation and functionality of public services.