Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale has pledged to put an end to illegal logging in public forests and has issued a stern warning to those involved in forest-related crimes.
Speaking at the 47th graduation ceremony of the Kenya Forestry College in Londiani, Kericho County, Duale emphasized that illegal activities are jeopardizing Kenya’s ambitious environmental and ecosystem restoration goals, including the flagship 15 billion tree-growing initiative by the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“Illegal logging, encroachment, and exploitation of our forest resources are seriously undermining our conservation efforts, endangering not just our environment but our nation’s future,” Duale stated. He directed the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to be rigorous in enforcing forest protection laws and underscored that this commitment is non-negotiable for safeguarding the forests for future generations.
Duale also called on Kenyans to actively participate in the 15 billion tree-growing campaign, describing it as both a climate action and a livelihoods support program. “We are determined to grow 15 billion trees over the next decade and restore over 10.6 million hectares of degraded land. This is a collective responsibility, and I urge every Kenyan to contribute,” he said.
He advised leaders and residents of Kericho County to intensify tree planting efforts, with a target of planting 163 million new trees over the next decade as their contribution to the national goal. Additionally, Duale reiterated last month’s government ban on raw wood veneer exports and urged KFS to enforce this decision firmly.
To the 197 graduates, Duale offered guidance on applying their new skills and knowledge to support the sustainable management of Kenya’s forest resources.
He urged the graduates to actively engage in unlocking the rich forestry value chains to drive wealth and employment creation, in alignment with the Kenya Kwanza administration’s BETA plan. “Forest-based goods and services are crucial for our country’s socioeconomic development, fostering both rural and urban growth. The sustainable management of these resources, which you are now prepared to undertake, is key to our economic progress and environmental conservation,” Duale stated.
Duale also called on Community Forest Associations (CFAs) to collaborate closely with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), stressing that their role as host communities is vital in sustainable forest management. He encouraged CFAs to be proactive not only in participatory forest management but also in other landscape and ecosystem restoration efforts, including the 15 billion tree-growing initiative.
“Let us renew our commitment to protecting and restoring our forests, support KFS in its mandate, and actively participate in the Government’s efforts to preserve our natural heritage,” Duale concluded.
The graduation ceremony also featured remarks from Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi, KFS Board Chairman Titus Korir, Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko, and College Principal Dr. Elizabeth Wambugu.
Earlier, CS Duale visited various ongoing development projects at the college and launched the construction of an ultra-modern Timber Value Addition Centre (TVAC). This centre is part of the second phase of the African Development Bank’s Green Zones Development Project, which is being implemented across 15 counties in Kenya.
