On Wednesday, April 4, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Head of Biodiversity, James Mwamodenyi, explained why baobab trees from Kilifi were exported despite President William Ruto's earlier directive.
While appearing before two National Assembly committees on Environment, Forestry, and Mining and on Water, Environment, and Natural Resources, Mwamodenyi explained that by the time the matter was brought to KFS's attention, the trees had been uprooted and ready for exportation.
“After the issue was brought to our attention we made an inquiry and was informed that the trees were destined for Shekvetili botanical garden in Georgia," he stated.
Mwamodenyi disclosed that the trees were to be showcased as tree collections from different parts of the world.
The biodiversity boss was clearing KFS's name after reports swirled that the service had defied Ruto's directive barring the exportation of the endangered species found in Kilifi County.
The members from both committees had summoned the KFS Head of Biodiversity demanding to know why the service did not ensure that there was public participation on the issue nor did it guide the community on the value of baobab trees before it authorised the uprooting process.
Meanwhile, Linus Wekesa, a researcher at KEFRI, also corroborated with Mwamodenyi's sentiments explaining that the tree was not endangered and was not facing extinction in the coastal region.
"We did not take part in issuing any permit for the uprooting and exportation of the trees as our role is just to give advisory directions when necessary," he clarified.
On the other hand, National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) Chief Enforcement Officer, Robert Orina, who also appeared before the committees, emphasised that there should be legislation that protects trees like baobab which may escape the regulation process.
"The community has a lot of cultural attachment to them and they should be protected," Orina added.
Notably, in January the KFS approved the export of the controversial baobab trees from Kilifi County to Georgia despite Ruto halting the export by revoking licenses and permits through the Environment Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya.
According to KFS, the tree was neither endangered nor was it a protected species in Kenya thus approving the export and eliciting debate among Kenyans.
"It has been agreed that the baobab trees should not be exported until the adequate authority, as well as benefit sharing formula in line with the Convention for Biodiversity (CBD) and Nagoya protocol, are obtained and executed," detailed a letter from Tuya dated November 21, 2022.
