The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has launched investigations into the illegal destruction of trees in Saboti Forest Station within the Mount Elgon ecosystem, dismissing reports that one of the affected forest blocks had been cleared.
In a statement issued on Thursday, August 13, KFS said Shikhendu forest block, which had been widely mentioned in reports circulating online, had not been affected.
The agency, however, confirmed that illegal logging had taken place in Makunga forest block, where about 350 young trees were cut down overnight and left lying on the ground.
KFS said preliminary findings suggest the destruction may have been deliberately orchestrated by a few individuals seeking to create tension within the local community.
“The illegal felling of trees within Makunga forest block seems to be maliciously instigated by a few individuals to incite the community, and 350 young trees were felled overnight and left on the ground,” the agency stated.
Forest officers have since begun investigations to establish those responsible for the destruction and determine the motive behind the illegal activity.
KFS on Security Measures
The incident has raised fresh concerns over the protection of forests in the Mount Elgon ecosystem, an area considered critical for water catchment, biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.
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Following the incident, KFS said it had strengthened security and surveillance measures in the affected area to prevent further destruction.
The agency warned that those found responsible would be arrested and prosecuted under the Forest Conservation and Management Act.
“Protection and security have since been enhanced, and those found culpable of the forest crimes will be arrested and charged,” the service said.
KFS has appealed to members of the public to assist investigators by providing information that could lead to the arrest of those behind the incident.
Those with relevant information have been asked to report to the Saboti Foresters Office, the County Forest Conservator in Trans Nzoia County, or the nearest police station.
The agency said public support remains crucial in protecting forests from criminals who continue to target natural resources for personal gain.
KFS also reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding forests across the country, saying it would continue working with communities, security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure forest resources are protected.
The destruction comes at a time when the government is intensifying efforts to increase tree cover across the country through large-scale tree-growing programs aimed at combating climate change and environmental degradation.
Illegal logging remains one of the major threats facing forests in Kenya, with authorities frequently battling incidents involving unlawful harvesting of timber and destruction of young plantations.
Mount Elgon Ecosystem
The Mount Elgon ecosystem is one of Kenya’s most important forest and water catchment landscapes.
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It straddles the Kenya-Uganda border and is centered around Mount Elgon, an extinct shield volcano that rises to about 4,321 meters above sea level.
The ecosystem includes protected forests, wildlife habitats, rivers, wetlands, and agricultural zones that support millions of people in both countries.
On the Kenyan side, the ecosystem covers parts of Trans Nzoia and Bungoma counties, including forests managed through Mount Elgon Forest Reserve and stations such as Saboti Forest Station.
The Ugandan side includes Mount Elgon National Park.
Together, they form a transboundary ecosystem of regional importance.
The ecosystem hosts indigenous forests, bamboo zones, montane vegetation, birds, mammals, insects, and numerous plant species.
Some species are rare and depend on intact forest habitats for survival.
Mount Elgon is one of Kenya’s key water catchment areas.
Rivers originating from the mountain supply water to communities, farms, and ecosystems in western Kenya and eastern Uganda.
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