MACHAKOS, Kenya — The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has convened forest industry investors for a public participation forum on sustainable harvesting and salvage operations in the Lower Eastern region.
The engagement, held at Machakos University, brought together sector players, county officials, and forestry experts to deliberate on regulated harvesting cycles in plantation forests.
The session was led by KFS-PSDCCF-FCM Dr. Clement Ng’oriareng and Machakos County CECM for Environment Onesmus Muia.
Regulated Rotation Cycles
Participants emphasized that mature plantation forests are designed to grow, be harvested, and replanted under regulated rotation systems.
Delayed harvesting of mature stands, they noted, compromises timber quality, increases exposure to fire and pest outbreaks, and reduces economic returns.
Speakers reiterated that production forests require active management to maintain ecological and commercial viability.
Environmental Safeguards
KFS officials stressed that harvesting activities are conducted under strict Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) safeguards to ensure compliance with environmental standards and sustainable land use practices.
They argued that timely harvesting:
- Protects forest health
- Sustains jobs across the wood value chain
- Strengthens local economies
- Enables immediate replanting to maintain forest cover
The agency maintained that sustainable rotation cycles support long-term climate resilience while ensuring continuity of supply to the timber industry.
Alignment with National Tree Programme
The forum comes as Kenya accelerates its 15 billion tree-growing programme, aimed at increasing national forest cover and mitigating climate change impacts.
“As Kenya accelerates its 15 billion tree growing programme, KFS reaffirmed its commitment to transparent processes, stakeholder engagement, and a sustainable forestry model that balances ecological stewardship with economic growth,” KFS stated
KFS reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, stakeholder engagement, and a balanced forestry model that integrates ecological stewardship with economic growth.
Officials said continued dialogue with investors and communities will guide harvesting operations in the Lower Eastern region, ensuring compliance with environmental laws and alignment with national reforestation targets.
