Govt Explains Massive Tree Cutting Exercise in Aberdare Forest

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS), on Sunday, January 26, took to social media to clarify claims that the Aberdare Forest was under destruction.

The service announced in a statement that a section of the forest was undergoing routine maintenance, which had been mistaken for destruction.

“Within the Gathara and Kiboro forest blocks, there exist mature and over-mature forest plantation stands managed by the Service prescribed for clear-fell under their respective management rotation and scientific regimes,” part of the statement read.

“In this regard, therefore, selected compartments in Gathara Beat within North Kinangop Forest Station and in Kiboro and Holy Ork forest blocks within South Kinangop (Kiburu) forest stations were earmarked for harvesting.”

KFS further revealed that the ongoing exercise was legally recognised in the Public Procurement and Disposals Act and the Environmental Impact Assessment. 

They also clarified that upon harvesting, they would begin a re-establishment programme in line with the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report.

“Therefore, the harvesting operations witnessed in Gathara & Kiboro block are but a management regime in plantation forestry and NOT, therefore, a forest destruction as hitherto alluded,” the statement read.

“Forest plantations are deliberately established for the production of timber, plywood, fuelwood, and pulpwood to support socio-economic development & growth of the country.”

This clarification follows reports on social media that the historic forest was undergoing severe deforestation causing concerns among Kenyans.

In a similar case, reports began circulating on social media a few weeks ago alluding to ongoing deforestation of the Karura forest causing an uproar.

However, Friends of Karura Forest (FKF), a conservation outfit dedicated to conserving the forest, explained that the cutting down of trees was all part of the restoration of the forest. 

“Exotics removal and replanting with indigenous species after a 6-year delay. Plan between KFS and FKF to reduce disturbance to wildlife and visitors, starting October 24,” part of the statement read.