The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has dismissed claims circulating on social media about illegal logging in Karura and Thogoto forests.
In a statement on Tuesday, January 28, KFS stated that ongoing activities in the forests are part of planned forest management practices.
The agency explained that the current harvesting in Karura Forest involves exotic tree species being removed over an area of 6.3 hectares.
KFS noted that the harvested wood will be used for fuel and fencing posts, a process that aligns with the felling plan for the 2024/2025 financial year.
"In Karura Forest harvesting exotic tree species for fuel wood and fencing posts is currently ongoing in an area of 6.3 hectares, in line with the felling plan for the 2024/2025 financial year. Replanting with indigenous trees will commence during the March to May long rains season," the statement read.
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KFS emphasized the transparency of the process, stating that banners have been placed at the forest's entrances and other strategic points to inform the public about the harvesting activities.
"The management plan for Karura forest aims to convert the exotic plantations to natural forest for conservation purposes. The management plan is a public document and can be accessed by whoever may wish to do so.
"Banners announcing the harvesting of these forest plantations have been placed at the entrance to Karura forest and in other strategic points within forest informing the public about the harvesting operations happening in Karura Forest - clear evidence of a transparent process," the statement added.
Similarly, in Thogoto Forest, KFS said it is harvesting mature and over-mature forest plantations across 109.5 hectares.
The agency explained that depending on the age of the plantations, some areas will be left to regenerate naturally through coppicing, while others will be replanted under the Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS).
"Thogoto Forest Station has a plantation management plan that guides establishment, silvicutural operations, and harvesting. The management plan is a public document and can be accessed," the statement further read.
