Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa has refuted claims of tree harvesting activities in Kamuruana Hill Forest.
This is after reports made the rounds on social media in February indicating that there was massive logging of hardwood cider trees allegedly by powerful figures at Kamuruana Hill in Kirinyaga County.
Tension had engulfed residents near the forest after lorries ferrying the alleged trees from the forest in broad daylight were spotted on the road, with reports alleging that police didn’t stop the vehicles.
According to reports, the lorry drivers were alleged to have avoided the main routes and passed through 'panya routes' to reach their destination.
Speaking while appearing before the Senate on Tuesday, April 9, the Environment CS maintained that there was no tree harvesting in the forest as the reports alleged.
''With regards to harvesting in Kamuruana Hill Forest, I wish to clarify that there are no tree harvesting activities being undertaken on this hill; this can be confirmed by the latest satellite imagery and photos provided,'' the CS assured.
She assured the legislators that any future tree harvesting in the forest would be conducted following the guidelines outlined in the Forest Conservation and Management Act, ensuring meaningful public participation in the process.
Barasa further revealed that tree harvesting would not go on without strict adherence to meaningful public participation.
Kamuruana Hill Karaini is within Kangaita Forest Station in Kirinyaga West sub-county.
The forest covers an area of 23.87 hectares, which is composed of 14.7 hectares of pine tree plantation and 9.17 hectares of bush and grassland.
The concerns were raised after a similar incident was witnessed in Karura Forest. The government, however, clarified that it was the harvesting of exotic tree species in Karura and Thogoto Forests.
According to KFS, the move is part of a planned operation aimed at maintaining the forests' ecological health and promoting sustainable management.
Tree harvesting in Kenya is regulated, and the government allows sustainable logging in designated forests under strict guidelines to balance environmental conservation and economic needs.
