The lifting of a logging ban by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) does not apply for indigenous forests, KFS Chairman Peter Kirigua has said.
Addressing journalists during a consultative forum on devolution of forest services in Nakuru, Kirigua said that lifting of the ban was meant to take audit of all the plantation forests and regularise licensed saw milling.
“Only pre-qualified saw millers will be allowed to fell tress in order to ensure that there is timber in the market. Forests that logging licenses have been issued make up to six per cent of the total plantation cover,’’ said Kirigua.
He also warned that those who will be found felling trees in indigenous forests will be arrested and charged.
“ KFS will collaborate with county governments to ensure that trees are planted in farmlands, open spaces in schools and churches in order to attain the 10 per cent forest cover as required,’’ added Kirigua.
Acting KFS Director Emilio Mugo said that the national fire season has been declared and as such called on various stakeholders among them county governments and members of the public to support KFS in controlling fires that may arise in forests.
He noted that in the past, many acres of forest have been destroyed by raging fires causing massive destruction to grown up trees.