CS Duale orders immediate ban on raw veneer exports

Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has ordered an immediate ban on the export of raw veneer materials.

Duale on Tuesday also directed the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) not to issue any "no objection letter" for the export of raw veneer.

"The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry announces the suspension of exports of raw veneer materials. This decision takes effect immediately," Duale announced.

The CS explained that the suspension supports the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Strategy, which aims to restore 10.6 million hectares of degraded landscapes by planting 15 billion trees.

"This strategy is a testament to the government's unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability," Duale emphasised.

Reports have indicated the premature harvesting of immature trees on farmlands, which threatens the government's reforestation efforts.

The halt in raw veneer exports is intended to curb this practice, allowing trees to mature and contribute to the national restoration goals.

"The government's commitment to achieving the ambitious 30 per cent tree cover by 2032 is unwavering," Duale said, adding that the suspension is necessary to safeguard Kenya's environmental future.

In addition, the CS called on all stakeholders to join in this crucial endeavour, highlighting that the ban is essential for the success of the reforestation mission.

Kenya's timber manufacturers have been sounding the alarm for months, claiming that the country has lost nearly a billion shillings in revenue over the past three months due to 'unchecked activities.

A recent investigation by local media revealed the alarming situation of foreign nationals engaging in unchecked logging, particularly of eucalyptus trees.

This activity, according to the CS, poses a serious threat to Kenya's reforestation efforts and harms the country's economy by evading local taxes.