Kenya Forest Services (KFS) has issued an explanation on the viral video showing massive cutting down of trees in a forest over the weekend.
The video sparked mixed reactions from Kenyan’s online with many criticizing the activity witnessed in the video.
However, KFS noted that the ongoing operation in the video was at pinus plantation in Chemususu Forest, Baringo County and not Kakamega forest as per the allegations.
“Kenya Forest Service wishes to make a clarification on a lorry *LT13* shown in this post which has been circulating online. Contrary to allegations, the images were captured in an ongoing operation at a pinus plantation in Chemususu Forest, Baringo County & not Kakamega forest,” KFS said.
They further claimed that the misreporting and malicious distortion of facts is aimed at provoking unsuspecting citizens and high-ranking personalities who have shown an interest in the conservation of Kakamega forest.
Also Read: Crisis After Ruto Lifts Uhuru Ban on Logging
As such, KFS confirmed that the video shows harvesting of over-mature exotic pine species in a forest plantation.
“This entails felling, skidding, stacking and loading round logs onto trucks for transportation to the sawmill,” KFS stated.
Likewise, the Kenya Forest Service revealed that the operation as seen in the video took place in Tinet block, Chemususu forest and not in Kakamega.
Kenyan’s Response
However, some Kenyans on twitter were still not satisfied with the explanation by KFS, claiming they are covering the main issue.
One twitter user said, “Nice Try Kenya Forest Service. Don’t think we are falling for your little cover-up story. Getting caught in the act and now trying to play innocent? Yeah, right. We are not buying it.”
Ville Kent stated that “People of ill motive will always tarnish KFS, but we know KFS is doing what is right according to 2016 FCMA. Keep up with good work KFS. Arrows will be shot at you from many directions, but No one will hit the bull’s eye.”
Another user Mike Kamale noted that, “The where is not the issue! It’s the destruction of forest cover!”
Also Read: Environmentalists Criticize President Ruto for Lifting Ban on Logging
KFS also urged Kenyans to seek clarification from the nearest KFS offices countrywide to avoid misinformation.
Ruto Lifts Ban on Logging
Nonetheless, President William Ruto on July 2, 2023, lifted the ban on logging in state forests after retired President Uhuru Kenyatta imposed it five years ago.
According to the head of state, the ban was long overdue, and it is time for saw millers to harvest mature trees.
The president said mature trees were rotting in the forest while locals who depend on forest produce suffered.
