Nairobi — Production of seed maize at the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute in Kitale is fast becoming impossible following the loss of close to 50 per cent of the institute's land to grabbers, an official has said.

According to the centre's director, Dr Omari Odongo, the station has over the years lost 1,200 acres out of the 2,200 acres it originally owned to politically-connected individuals.

The production of seed maize, he said, is no longer effective as the crop requires adequate space. Dr Odongo said the space constraint has also dealt a major blow to beef research as keeping livestock at the centre was no longer viable.

However, he said that the station has since acquired the title deed for the remaining parcel of land to deter future encroachment. He made the remarks during a tree planting event held at the centre.

"We have planted a total of 15,359 tree seedlings on a 15 acre area since 2005. We also expect to grow up to 100,000 tree seedlings by the end of the year on the centre's nursery," Dr Odongo said.

District Officer Julius Otieno, who represented Trans Nzoia West District Commissioner, directed local chiefs and their assistants to step up their surveillance against illegal logging in the area.

Mr Otieno challenged the centre to provide free seedlings to the neighbouring communities to bolster the campaign to boost the country's forest cover.

Local leaders urged the government to set up a police post in Kipsongo slum due to rampant crime in the area.