Environment and Lands Court in Nairobi has suspended the implementation of President William Ruto’s directive to lift the ban on logging.

The court has also barred the state from granting permits to cut trees.

Moreover, the application to have the President’s directive on logging lifted was filed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).

As such, the court found that the application was duly merited.

Nonetheless, the judge has directed respondents to file their responses within the next five days. 

“Orders are granted staying the Government directive on the revocation of the Gazette Notices previously issued for de-gazettement of Forest areas/designating areas as Forests and the and re-introduction of the Shamba System,” Justice Angote ordered.

Also Read: Crisis After Ruto Lifts Uhuru Ban on Logging

“The Petitioner, which in this case is the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has leave to file a Further Affidavit within 3 days of service,” he added.

Ruto Lifts Ban on Logging

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, adding that it was 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.

However, the Head of State’s decision to lift the ban on logging in state forests sparked mixed reactions from different players.

A section of environmentalists criticized the decision saying it would accelerate deforestation and the efforts put in place to conserve and preserve the environment will go to waste.

Also Read: President Ruto Lifts Ban on Logging

In a rejoinder, the government noted that there will be measures to ensure only mature trees are harvested as new ones are planted to replace those cut.

President Ruto stated that it is possible to manage forests to provide economic benefits and environmental protection.

Furthermore, Environment Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya while condemning Kenyans invading forests to cut down trees also defended the move to lift the ban on logging.

CS Tuya said agro-forestry and commercial forestry is part of the government’s plan to boost the timber industry that is currently doing bad.