National Assembly lifts ban on forest harvesting at Eldoret International Airport, Boma Airstrip
The Committee’s decision comes after a series of consultations and inspections involving key stakeholders.
The National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining has lifted the restrictions that had prevented the Kenya Airports Authority from moving forward with the sale and harvesting of forest cover at Eldoret International Airport and Boma Airstrip.
The original stop orders were put in place in June following public concerns over potential undervaluation of the lands, which span 600 acres at Eldoret Airport and 100 acres at Boma Airstrip.
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These concerns raised questions about transparency and fairness in the planned procurement process.
The Committee’s decision comes after a series of consultations and inspections involving key stakeholders.
Representatives from the Kenya Airports Authority, including acting CEO Dr Mohammed Gedi, the Kenya Forest Service, which conducted the initial valuation in 2014, the Kenya Forest Research Institute brought in to review the allegations, and the Chief Conservator of Forests, all presented documentation and clarifications to the Committee.
Committee Chair Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka, speaking after reviewing all the submissions and visiting the forest sites, said the green light was granted with caution.
“As much as we don't want to treat you with suspicion, we hope there will be no compelling evidence or information contrary to what you have provided to this Committee that might warrant a revisit to the issue. The Committee is lifting the stop orders, and KAA can now proceed with their plans on the forest cover,” he said.
Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Deborah Mulongo and Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi were also present, observing the Committee’s deliberations and expressing support for the decision.
Their presence highlighted the government’s oversight and commitment to ensuring that the process meets both regulatory and environmental standards.
The Committee had engaged KEFRI to provide an independent assessment after allegations of undervaluation surfaced, ensuring that the review process was thorough and credible.
Following the Committee’s approval, KAA is now authorised to proceed with selecting sawmillers and selling the trees as originally planned.
This resolution marks the end of a months-long suspension and clears the way for KAA to manage the forest resources responsibly, while the Committee emphasised that any new evidence contrary to the current findings could trigger a review of the decision.
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