NAIROBI, Kenya- Shocked by the rising degradation of Kenyan forests, Kenyan environmentalists now want the government to ban raw timber exports immediately.
Environmentalists, led by Green Thinking Action party leader Isaac Kalua, have warned that the vice is accelerating deforestation and environmental degradation.
The scientists argue that this alarming trend threatens President William Ruto’s ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032. Cartels involved in illegal tree logging, particularly of eucalyptus trees, are undermining these efforts.
Why Kenya faces forest degradation
They further claim that Kenya faces a looming forestry crisis if urgent action needs to be taken to safeguard its forest cover.
The Green Thinking Action Party has raised the alarm over the rapid depletion of the country’s forests.
Kalua claims that over 600 million trees have been cut in the last seven months, primarily for export.
“This is not just one type of tree but what has been exposed, which is the lifeblood of our industries and communities. These have been harvested and lost,” Kalua said.
What is Kenya’s forest restoration initiative
He has highlighted unchecked logging practices, deceptive timber exports marketed as raw materials for medicine and perfume, and economic sabotage through the illegal export of raw materials violating national laws.
“What remains are landscapes scarred by unchecked deforestation, a looming economic collapse for local communities, and the silent cries of biodiversity lost forever,” he added.
Kalua, a vocal advocate for President Ruto’s forest restoration initiative, has warned that a clique of selfish individuals driven by greed is actively working against the country’s restoration goals.
What is happening in Karura Forest
He cautioned that these actions do not only undermine environmental conservation but also sabotage the broader national agenda.
“You hear about the expansion of roads or roads being created in a forest like Karura Forest, and people with good minds can think of existing 51 acres; tomorrow will be 150 acres. It is a multifaceted challenge driven by weak regulations on one side, deeply hidden agendas, and the misuse of international trade systems,” explained Kalua.
Environmentalists like Kalua are now urging the government to recalibrate its strategy.
“Clamp down on illegal logging activities and focus on preserving the nation’s forests to avoid further degradation,” Kalua said.
