The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has confirmed that ongoing tree-cutting activities in Thogoto Forest are part of a scheduled harvesting process of plantation trees.
In a statement on Tuesday, July 15, KFS said the operation involves several licensed sawmillers working in a section of the forest.
According to the agency, the harvesting process began in November 2024 and is expected to conclude in the coming weeks.
“Kenya Forest Service wishes to inform the public that harvesting of mature and over-mature plantation tree species is currently underway at Thogoto Forest station, Kiambu County.
"Several licensed sawmillers are undertaking this process in a total area of 46.7 hectares and the harvesting began in November 2024, and will be concluded in the upcoming weeks," the statement read.
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Additionally, KFS clarified that the trees being felled are not indigenous but exotic species planted for timber production.
"Forest plantations are established to provide timber for the market, and they mostly comprise exotic tree species such as eucalyptus, pine and cypress trees. Forest plantations are fundamentally different from indigenous forests that are conserved for ecological integrity and biodiversity conservation," the statement added.
This comes a week after KFS issued a statement clarifying a video circulating online showing destroyed sections inside Karura Forest.
In its clarification on Thursday, July 3, the agency said the video showed areas that were designated for harvesting exotic tree species.
KFS explained that the harvesting was conducted and completed during the 2024/2025 financial year.
“Kenya Forest Service seeks to make a clarification on a video circulating online, purportedly depicting a destroyed portion of Karura Forest. This video was recorded by a cyclist in two areas that were allocated for the harvesting of exotic tree species.
“The harvesting was undertaken and completed in the last financial year 2024/2025,” read the statement in part.
KFS noted that the process of replacing the indigenous trees has already begun with the digging of holes; planting of trees will be completed during the upcoming rainy season.
“Replacing of the exotic trees with indigenous species has already commenced with pitting of holes, and this will be followed by planting during the upcoming rainy season.
“The process being undertaken in Karura forest will ensure it is restored to a fully indigenous urban forest for recreation and ecotourism,” the statement added.
