The Kenya Forest Service (Kenya Forest Service) has responded to allegations circulating online regarding suspected logging activities in Kinyo Forest Beat, Baringo County.
In a statement issued on Saturday, May 23, the agency said officers from the Tenges Forest Station visited the site after images and reports shared online showed two felled trees within the forest area.
KFS confirmed that preliminary findings indicated the trees had been targeted by local residents for domestic use rather than commercial logging operations.
Kenya Forest Service responds to alleged logging in Kinyo Forest, Baringo. Photo: Courtesy.
The agency further noted that there was no evidence of charcoal burning or charcoal trade activity at the location, as had been alleged in the online reports.
KFS added that the situation appeared to involve attempts by community members to use the trees for firewood and to construct beehives, rather than organised illegal logging.
The service noted that local forest officials are engaging residents of Kinyo Forest Beat in Baringo County to strengthen awareness on environmental conservation and the protection of forest resources.
It went on to highlight that community sensitisation meetings have been scheduled to encourage responsible use of forest resources and reporting of illegal activities.
KFS also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of forest destruction to the relevant authorities.
This comes a month after the agency clarified concerns raised online over the disposal of materials from plantation forests, assuring the public that all processes are conducted transparently and in line with the law.
The service stated that only registered sawmillers are allowed to participate in the disposal process, which is conducted through an open tender system under the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act.
KFS further pointed to existing grievance mechanisms, noting that any aggrieved parties can follow established legal procedures to file complaints.
