The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has dismissed claims of illegal logging at Ngong Hills Forest.
In a statement, the service maintained that the ongoing tree harvesting is part of an approved operation targeting mature forest plantations.
According to KFS, the harvesting was taking place in Kibiku Forest Blocks where a tender was awarded for the harvesting of mature plantations which were covering 56 hectares of land.
It explained that the operation followed a competitive bidding process and was conducted in accordance with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, the Forest Conservation and Management Act, the Constitution and forest harvesting rules.
“The forest harvesting operations are required to take place between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm, as stipulated under the Forest Conservation and Management Act, 202,” KFS said.
KFS further said that they had already received information that the vehicle had broken down and was undergoing repairs, adding that the photographs also did not establish that harvesting activities had taken place that night.
“The Community Fest Association is normally engaged to support the planting of more trees through the plantation Enterprise and Livelihood Improvement Schemes (PELIS)” KFS added.
