Timber Manufacturers Association (TMA) has implored upon the Cabinet Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources Keriako Tobiko to rescind his decision to have the top KFS management sent on compulsory leave.

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They said the move is sending panic across the KFS officers affecting programs of tree planting.

Speaking at Sarova Hotel in Nakuru after meeting the National Assembly committee on Environment and Natural resources led by Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki, TMA national chairman Benard Gitau said career officers had put in place comprehensive program and as such the CS should have waited for the task force recommendation for the officers to have opportunity to explain their lapses or challenges.

“As TMA, we are saddened because we feel the CS went too far in sending them home without listening to them," he said.

Gitau further called on CS Tobiko to declare the program framework of tree planting especially during this rainy season.

Kericho county TMA chairman Patrick Malel said their association which boasts of the biggest tree nursery is set to donate to the KFS more than five million seedlings for the planting season.

Gitau regretted that the saw millers are suffering and unable to collect their timber from their factories and called on the government to issue them permits so that they can move them saying most of them have loans to service.