NYANDARUA, Kenya- Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia has called for a review of commercial timber plantations in the Aberdare Forest, warning that continued tree felling could threaten water sources and worsen the effects of climate change.
In a statement after a court visit to the Geta area on Friday, October 23, Muhia said large sections of land had been cleared under what she described as tenders, licences and mature-tree harvesting.
She said she had seen forest areas where trees had been cut and urged the government to strengthen protection of the Aberdare water tower.
The visit was led by Environment and Land Court Judge Joseph Mugo Kamau and formed part of a case challenging logging in the forest.
The court extended orders stopping tree felling and timber transportation after the visit.
The case, filed by Muhia and Kipipiri resident Elijah Gachuki, is scheduled for further directions on November 11.
Muhia said the court case should be viewed as an environmental issue rather than a political dispute.
She also said local sawmillers confronted her during the visit, arguing that her campaign had affected their livelihoods.
The sawmillers have maintained that they harvest mature trees from commercial plantations under approved plans and that the activity is plantation management.
The court’s orders currently suspend logging and timber transport while the case continues, and authorities have been directed to enforce the restrictions.
MP questions size and location of plantations
Muhia questioned the history and distribution of timber plantations in the Aberdares.
She said it was alleged that a 10,000-hectare plantation was established in the 1970s, and asked how that fitted with a 1943 gazette notice that she said designated the area as a water tower.
She also questioned why, according to figures she cited, 5,500 hectares of the plantation were concentrated in Kipipiri.
The dispute over logging is before the court, which has not yet issued a final ruling on the legality or environmental impact of the harvesting.
Muhia said the Aberdares supply water to communities and economic activities, including Nairobi, Nakuru and the flower and produce export sectors.
She linked the protection of the forest to concerns over delayed rainfall and drought, and urged residents to support conservation through civic education.
She also appealed to sawmillers to work with her on alternatives, warning that continued clear-cutting could damage the timber industry as well as the forest.
Her proposed long-term measures include establishing commercial timber plantations outside key water catchments, growing faster-maturing tree species and prioritising the replanting of indigenous trees in cleared areas.
Court case continues as logging remains suspended
The court’s site visit followed an October 14 order suspending logging activities in the Aberdare Forest, including operations by licensed and unlicensed dealers.
Justice Mugo Kamau said the court had made observations during the visit and would consider them when the case resumes.
Muhia called on the Kenya Forest Service, county leaders and other agencies to ensure compliance with the court orders.
She said environmental protection required cooperation among government agencies, businesses and local communities.
The court’s next directions are expected on November 11.
Until then, logging and timber transportation covered by the orders remain suspended as the case proceeds.
