Individuals seeking to illegally acquire forest assets in Kenya have been put on notice, with stern warnings from the government that such actions will not be tolerated.
Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has emphasized that all procurement of forest resources must strictly adhere to the law to prevent the continued loss of vital forest cover across the country.
Speaking on Monday during the launch of the inaugural Forest Status Report 2024, Duale underscored the economic significance of the forestry sector, which contributes approximately 3.6 per cent to Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the sector from illegal activities and unsustainable exploitation.
The Forest Status Report 2024, the first of its kind in Kenya, offers an in-depth analysis of the country’s forest ecosystems.
It identifies key interventions necessary for sustainable forest management, including mechanization of forestry operations, increased investment in green spaces, urban forestry and avenue planting, enhanced resource mobilization for forest conservation and adoption of nature-based solutions to combat deforestation and degradation.
The report highlights concerning statistics on forest degradation, revealing that Kenya loses an average of 14,934 hectares of forest cover annually, while the deforestation rate stands at 84,716 hectares per year.
Factors contributing to this trend include population growth, poverty, encroachment, overgrazing, natural disasters and socio-cultural practices.
The Kenya Kwanza administration, under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), has rolled out ambitious conservation initiatives, including the 15 Billion Tree Growing for Ecosystem and Landscape Restoration Program.
This initiative, spearheaded by President William Ruto, aims to increase Kenya’s tree cover from 12.13 per cent to 30 per cent by 2032 while restoring 10.6 million hectares of degraded forest land.
Technology has been at the forefront of forest conservation efforts.
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has launched a Digital Radio Network and an Early Fire Video Detection System to enhance real-time monitoring and rapid response to forest fires.
Additionally, the integration of drones into surveillance systems has significantly boosted efforts to track illegal logging, monitor reforestation and respond to environmental threats.
To strengthen enforcement against illegal activities, the government has completed the recruitment of over 3,300 Forest Rangers, Foresters, Forest Assistants and Inspector Cadets.
This move aims to fortify forest protection efforts and ensure compliance with conservation laws. Community involvement remains central to conservation strategies, with 229 registered Community Forest Associations (CFAs) playing a key role in reforestation, fire prevention, and sustainable resource management.
Their active participation has proven instrumental in fostering sustainable conservation practices at the grassroots level.
Beyond conservation, forests contribute immensely to Kenya’s economy and global climate efforts. The report highlights that Kenya’s forestry sector has the potential to sustainably supply 31.4 million cubic meters of wood annually, reducing dependence on imports and boosting economic growth.
In addition, Kenya’s forests sequester approximately 140 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), playing a crucial role in climate change mitigation.
This aligns with the country’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Launching the Forest Status Report 2024, CS Duale called upon all stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector players, development partners, and local communities, to rally behind the report’s recommendations.
He emphasized that the report is more than just a document; it is a roadmap to action, guiding Kenya towards a greener, more sustainable future.
“With these remarks, I am honoured to officially launch the Forest Status Report 2024. Let this report serve as a guiding framework for our collective action toward a thriving forest sector and a resilient nation,” he concluded.
