Kenyan Environment Minister, Deborah Barasa, has come out in defense of the government's decision to allow tree logging for commercial purposes. In an interview with Taifa Leo, Barasa stated that the government is committed to restoring forests while balancing conservation with economic benefits from timber trade. The minister emphasized that the administration of President William Ruto aims to restore 30% of the country's forests, up from 10% targeted by the previous administration.
The minister's comments come amid a video circulating online showing six white lorries transporting logs through a narrow forest path in Kereita, near Kimende, Kiambu County. The video sparked a debate about the state of Kenya's forests, particularly ahead of World Environment Day, when the government launched another tree-planting campaign. Over 17 million trees are expected to be planted in 31 counties during the October-December rainy season.
Despite the government's efforts to promote tree planting, a 2026 Economic Survey report indicates a decline in new forest plantations, increased degradation of water catchment areas, and a rise in charcoal sales in state-managed forests. This has prompted civil society groups to collect over 60,000 signatures opposing forest destruction. The groups recently protested at the Environment Ministry, demanding an end to uncontrolled tree logging, forest invasions, and destruction of protected areas.
The groups also expressed concerns about projects in the Imenti Forest and Nairobi National Park, claiming they threaten protected areas. They cited 4,642 Kenyans who have filed cases in court to defend the park. Additionally, they opposed the lifting of a logging ban in the Mau forest, one of Kenya's five main water sources. The forest lost a quarter of its tree cover between 1973 and 2013 due to land allocation, settlements, and charcoal burning.
Greenpeace Africa's forest campaign head, Sherie Gakii, stated that Kenya's forests face threats from personal interests and government projects. However, Minister Barasa argued that only 150,000 acres of the 2.6 million hectares of officially gazetted forests have been allocated for commercial use. She claimed that stopping logging would lead to job losses and force Kenya to import timber, increasing costs for citizens.
The debate over tree logging and forest conservation continues in Kenya, with the government seeking to balance economic development with environmental protection. The minister's stance has sparked mixed reactions, with some supporting the government's efforts to promote economic growth, while others argue that conservation should be prioritized.
As the government pushes forward with its tree-planting campaign, concerns about the long-term impact of logging on Kenya's forests and water resources remain. The effectiveness of the government's conservation efforts and the balance between economic development and environmental protection will be closely watched by Kenyans and environmentalists alike.
Key points
- The Kenyan government aims to restore 30% of the country's forests.
- Civil society groups have collected over 60,000 signatures opposing forest destruction.
- The government has allocated 150,000 acres of gazetted forests for commercial logging.
