I'm doing what should have been done about 10 years ago

Kenyan environment minister

According to a notice in the Kenya Gazette, the government intends to turn 68,000 hectares of forest into settlements.

The Kenyan government is saying that much of the land identified is already settled informally, and it is simply recognising the facts on the ground.

The short-term economic gains of clearing woodlands' must be matched against... uncontrolled and unsustainable deforestation

UN Environment Programme head Klaus Toepfer

Critics have said the government is launching the programme in an effort to gain support ahead of the forthcoming general election.

Criticism

UN Environment Programme executive director Klaus Toepfer expressed concern that Kenya was adding to the rapid rate of global deforestation.

Sections of land on Mount Kenya are already being farmed

Mr Toepfer said: "The short-term economic gains of clearing woodlands' must be matched against the even bigger, long-term losses as a result of uncontrolled and unsustainable deforestation."

His comments echoed statements made by Professor Wangari Maathai of Kenya's Green Belt Movement.

Strong response

Kenya's Environment Minister Francis Nyenze was unapologetic.

"I'm doing what should have been done about 10 years ago," he said.

He pointed out that some of the land on Mount Kenya that is mentioned in the Kenya Gazette was already settled.

Mr Nyenze said that the plan was a way of protecting forests and settling landless people.

Kenyan MP Wanyiri Kihoro has alleged that the plans are just a way for ruling party members and local officials to enrich themselves.