Environment CS Duale warns against illegal forest activities, pledges action

Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has launched a crackdown on illegal forest activities, warning those involved that they will face severe consequences.

Speaking at the 47th graduation ceremony of Kenya Forestry College in Londiani, Kericho County, on Friday, Duale emphasised his commitment to using all available resources to stop these illegal practices.

"Illegal logging, encroachment and exploitation of our forest resources have severely undermined our conservation efforts, threatening not only our environment but our future as a nation," he said.

The graduation ceremony saw 197 trainees receive diplomas and certificates in forestry.

Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi, Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Board Chairman Titus Korir, Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko, and College Principal Elizabeth Wambugu were present.

Going further, CS Duale warned that illegal forest activities could jeopardise Kenya's ambitious plan to restore landscapes and ecosystems.

He stated that the government will use all its powers to protect forest resources while expanding restoration efforts.

The government is working to plant 15 billion trees over the next decade to boost forest cover to 30 per cent.

"Together, we aim to grow 15 billion trees over the next decade and restore over 10.6 million hectares of degraded lands to productivity. This is a collective responsibility, and I implore every Kenyan to play their part," Duale noted.

The CS also instructed the KFS to enforce forest protection laws strictly. Community Forest Associations (CFAs) are encouraged to collaborate with KFS, as they play a crucial role in sustainable forest management.

Duale warned that user rights granted to CFAs should not be abused and reminded that the ban on the export of raw wood veneer remains in effect.

Kericho County has set a target of planting 163 million new trees within 10 years to contribute to the national goal.

The CS made it clear that there would be no direct allocations to saw millers, noting that Kenya's plantation forest covers 150,000 hectares.

Duale urged the graduates to apply their skills and knowledge to manage Kenya's valuable forest resources sustainably.

The graduation comes as the government intensifies efforts to increase tree cover and tackle climate change.

According to the National Forest Resources Assessment 2021, Kenya has 7,180,000.66 hectares of tree cover, which is 12.13 per cent of the total land area, and 5,226,191.79 hectares of national forest cover, representing 8.83 per cent of the total area.