Kenya Suspends Raw Veneer Exports to Safeguard Forests

NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenyan government has suspended the export of raw veneer, commonly used in plywood production, to combat deforestation and align with President William Ruto’s environmental goals.

Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced this measure on Tuesday, emphasizing its alignment with the country’s broader environmental sustainability agenda.

Effective immediately, the directive prohibits the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) from issuing “no objection letters” for the export of raw veneer, effectively halting its international trade.

“This suspension is a resolute measure in support of the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Strategy,” CS Duale said in his statement. “This strategy, which aims to restore 10.6 million hectares of degraded landscapes by planting 15 billion trees, is a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability.”

Duale highlighted that the export of raw veneer has contributed to the premature harvesting of immature trees, particularly on private farmlands, which undermines the country’s reforestation efforts.

“By halting the export of raw veneer, the government intends to curb this practice, ensuring trees are allowed to mature and contribute effectively to the national restoration goals,” he explained.

This suspension is a crucial component of Kenya’s plan to achieve a 30% tree cover by 2032, a target set as part of the broader strategy to restore the nation’s degraded ecosystems.

CS Duale urged all stakeholders, including private landowners and industry players, to support the government’s initiatives.

“The suspension is necessary to safeguard Kenya’s environmental future and should inspire all stakeholders to join us in this crucial endeavor,” he stated.