Logging in forests in Kisii County is ongoing despite the government's ban.
A resident Ndege Ong'uti who is also a former volunteer forest guard said there was need of hiring forest guards in the county.
He said most residents cut down trees even without permission.
“Locals have ignored the government ban on logging and are still cutting trees in forests with women fetching firewood in forests. The government needs to increase the number of police officers guarding forests to keep off loggers,” he said.
He said there was need of sensitizing locals on the needs of conserving forests.
“Public forums should be conducted to engage locals and educate them on the need to conserve and protect our forests failure to which cutting of trees illegally in forests will not end anytime soon because saw millers are always making timber in forests without being arrested by authorities," he said.
He called on police officers not to spare loggers.
“Loggers who will be found cutting trees should be arrested and prosecuted to serve as an example to those still cutting trees illegally,” he added.
He added that locals should plant more trees to keep the environment attractive and clean for a healthy living.