President William Ruto while speaking in Molo town on Sunday, July 2 lifted the ban on logging in state forests.
The nationwide ban on logging has been in effect for the past five years.
According to the head of state, the ban was long overdue, and it is time for saw millers to harvest mature trees.
President Ruto added that mature trees were rotting in the forest while locals who relied on forest produce suffered.
“Mature trees are rotting in forests while locals suffer due to lack of timber, see the foolishness in this Country. We have lifted the moratorium that was put in place,” He said.
Moreover, the head of state noted that the previous regime had plans of importing furniture after imposing the ban.
Also Read: High Court to Deliver Ruling on the Fate of the 50 CASs
He also defended the decision to increase the levy on imported furniture, saying it is meant to ensure they are locally made and provide employment to Kenyans.
“That’s why we have decided to lift the ban, we get timber, allow traders to do their business, and put in place plans to plant 15 billion trees,” he added.
Lifting the ban on logging follows several complaints from residents of Molo, Elburgon and Njoro sub-counties who were mainly supported by the timber industry.
The nationwide ban on logging was introduced in August 2021 by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s regime.
The ban hit forest-dependent centers and communities mostly around Makutano, Maji Mazuri, Mau Summit, Elburgon, Molo, Kaptagat and Buka within Nakuru County.
