Kenya’s timber industry is reeling at news that the state forest logging ban could be extended to private tree farms.
Concern was raised following a media report about the suspension of private tree harvesting by a Rift Valley forestry officer.
The country’s sawmillers have been sourcing logs from private tree farms since the government introduced the logging ban three years ago. Farm owners have been planting fast-growing species such as eucalyptus grandis to meet the demand.
Tree farmers say they are unaware of any law which prohibits harvesting of their trees.
Timber Manufacturers Association chairman Samual Gitonga said the industry had invested billions of shillings in equipment and needed clear policies from the government, not “unilateral” decisions by officials.
