The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has issued a clarification regarding the ongoing logging activities in Kivale Forest, Makueni County amid concerns from local leaders.
In a statement on Friday August 1, KFS quelled concerns that the logging activity was unlawful, insisting that they aligned with sustainable forest management practices.
According to KFS, the logging operations in Mbooni (Kivale) Forest Station were fully authorized, following a detailed harvesting plan by the service.
“KFS is fully aware of and has authorized the ongoing sustainable forest harvesting activities in Mbooni (Kivale)Forest Station. These activities were approved by the KFS Board of Directors through a meticulously prepared harvesting plan, in compliance with the Forest Conservation and Management Act 2016,” the statement read in part.
The response followed concerns from the Makueni County governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr, who alleged there were unauthorised personnel spotted in Kivale Forest undertaking logging activities.
Governor Mutula’s concerns were brought before the Senate by Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo, who quoted the governor’s concerns before the house.
“Mr. Speaker, I wish to report to the Senate that I have received a communication from the Governor regarding the cessation of logging activities,” Maanzo said.
He added, “The Governor's concerns in a statement on July 28 highlight that the implementation of government policies on natural resources and environmental conservation, including forestry, is a function that has been devolved to the county government. It has come to our attention that there has been unexplained logging activity ongoing in Kivale Forest, and this raises concerns that need to be addressed.”
However, KFS revealed the Chief Conservator of Forests officially authorized the activities son May 22, 2025 and the operations were aimed to ensure that forests resources were managed sustainably.
Further, the service clarified that the logging activities were in accordance with a court ruling issued on October 3, 2024 which lifted the national moratorium on logging.
Another key point of concern has been the involvement of residents in the logging process. According to KFS, the Mbooni Community Forest Association (CFA) was actively involved in public participation throughout the process.
Part of the reason logging activities have been prevalent in Mbooni was because of over-mature plantation species, particularly those older than 30 years. The KFS explained that the ageing trees needed to be cut down since they posed ecological risks , including weakened root systems which if left unchecked, could lead to further degradation.
To emphasise the importance of the logging activities, the KFS revealed some hidden benefits, including providing short-term employment to youth in the Mbooni region as well as providing firewood from the old trees to the local community.
