In early February, Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu banned logging in private and public forests within the county in efforts to conserve the environment.
“We have with immediate effect outlawed tree cutting in both private and public forests and whoever will be found contravening the order will have him or her to blame," the governor said while addressing the journalists at his office on 5th February.
Two months later, I wanted to find out how the businesses that relied on woods are doing. These are the immediate outcomes.
Limited raw materials for carpenters, wood curvers: Carpenters are complaining of limited raw materials for their businesses. Most of them says their major suppliers are no longer supplying them with the required woods.
"Business is down after the ban, my wood supplier is no longer reliable, but I cannot blame him. He brings half the order, which he charges double the price." said Watila, a carpenter running a workshop at Thika town.
Loss of jobs: Job creation has reduced. Limited raw materials is making some workshops to lay off its employees.
"I had 11 employee here, but I had to reduce them to 6 because I cannot manage to acquire enough wood to keep all of them busy. Some of them were just sitting actually." Said Mwangi who owns a wood workshop in Githurai 45.
Higher prices for products made of wood: Wood products prices have risen up after the ban due to limited raw materials.
"This is a 3 by 6 feets bed. I used to sell at most Sh10,000, but now it is going for over Sh10,000. The problem with increasing prices is, customers cannot feel contented." added Mwangi.