The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has denied reports that there is a sinister destruction of parts of the Abadare Forests as reported by social media users.
In a statement on Sunday, January 26, 2024, KFS revealed that selected compartments in Gathara Beat within North Kinangop Forest Station and in Kiboro and Holy Ork forest blocks within South Kinangop (Kiburu) forest stations were earmarked for harvesting.
“Within the Gathara & Kiboro forest blocks, there exist mature and over-mature forest plantation stands managed by the Service prescribed for clear-fell under their respective management rotation & scientific regimes,” the statement read in part.
“In this regard, therefore, selected compartments in Gathara Beat within North Kinangop Forest Station and in Kiboro and Holy Ork forest blocks within South Kinangop (Kiburu) forest stations were earmarked for harvesting.”
KFS on law
The agency says the ongoing harvesting of the plantations followed the processes required by the Public Procurement and Disposals Act and the Environmental Impact Assessment.
“Upon completion of harvesting, the Service will commence on re-stablishment programme in line with ESIA report,” KFS added.
The agency says the harvesting operations witnessed in Gathara and Kiboro block are but a management regime in plantation forestry and not forest destruction as alluded.
“Forest plantations are deliberately established for the production of timber, plywood, fuelwood and pulpwood to support socio-economic development and growth of the country,” KFS added.
