Viral Tree-Harvesting Video Forces CS Barasa To Respond On Forestry Protection
Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa has denied reports of tree harvesting in Kamuruana Hill Forest.
This comes after claims circulated on social media in February that strong figures allegedly logged a significant number of hardwood cider trees on Kamuruana Hill in Kirinyaga County.
Tension had risen among locals near the forest as lorries ferrying the suspected trees from the woodland in broad daylight were sighted on the road, with reports claiming that police did not stop them.
According to reports, the truck drivers allegedly bypassed the main roads and traveled along ‘panya routes’ to reach their destination.
Speaking before the Senate on Tuesday, April 9, the Environment CS insisted that no trees were harvested in the forest, despite allegations to the contrary.
“With regards to harvesting in Kamuruana Hill Forest, I wish to clarify that there are no tree harvesting activities being undertaken on this hill; this can be confirmed by the latest satellite imagery and photos provided,” the CS assured.
Dr. Deborah M. Barasa, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, responds to Sen. @KamauMurango regarding the alleged tree harvesting in Kamuruana Hill Forest, confirming that no tree harvesting is taking place at Kamuruana Hill.#SenateLive pic.twitter.com/8XEaLJfGrh
— Senate of Kenya (@Senate_KE) April 9, 2025
She told the legislators that any future tree harvesting in the forest will adhere to the Forest Conservation and Management Act’s principles, assuring meaningful public participation.
Barasa also stated that tree harvesting will not occur without rigorous commitment to meaningful public participation.
Kamuruana Hill Karaini is part of Kangaita Forest Station in the Kirinyaga West sub-county.
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The forest encompasses an area of 23.87 hectares, with 14.7 hectares of pine tree planting and 9.17 hectares of bush and grassland.
The concerns were raised after a similar incident was witnessed in Karura Forest. The government, however, clarified that it was the harvesting of exotic tree species in Karura and Thogoto Forests.
Hi Nyakundi. Please hide ID. Just whistleblowing massive logging of hardwood cider trees taking place at Kamuruana Hill near Karai-ini, Kirinyaga County. It's taking place in broad daylight. Naskia wenyeji wakisema "Serikali Inakula mali Yake." Really? Where are we heading as a… pic.twitter.com/8mWUGifjjW
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) February 5, 2025
According to KFS, the move is part of a planned operation aimed at maintaining the forests’ ecological health and promoting sustainable management.
Tree harvesting in Kenya is regulated, and the government allows sustainable logging in designated forests under strict guidelines to balance environmental conservation and economic needs.
Viral Tree-Harvesting Video Forces CS Barasa To Respond On Forestry Protection
