Duale: Karura Forest tree cutting part of plan to restore ecosystem

Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. [Standard, File]

Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has explained why there has been tree cutting in Karura Forest.

In a statement on Saturday, November 23, Duale clarified that the removal of Eucalyptus trees is part of a long-term forest conversion plan, which involves replacing these exotic trees with indigenous species.

The initiative, he said, is guided by the Forest Conservation and Management Act of 2016 and aims to restore the forest to its natural state.

Duale's comments followed an online uproar after Kenyans shared videos of Kenya Forest Service (KFS) rangers cutting down trees in the forest and loading logs onto lorries.

Speculation online suggested the deforestation was part of a plot to grab Karura land or develop infrastructure.

He explained that the current activity is in line with the Karura Forest Participatory Forest Management Plan (PFMP), developed with input from a range of stakeholders.

The plan envisions a phased transformation of the forest, including the removal of non-native species and the eventual replacement of Eucalyptus trees with indigenous varieties.

“The forest is being managed in accordance with the provisions of the Forest Conservation and Management Act of 2016,” said Duale.

 “The current activities align with the forest management plan, which aims to restore the forest ecosystem to its indigenous state.”

The conversion process also involves licensed timber industry investors who are clearing the Eucalyptus trees through a procurement process outlined by the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act of 2015.

Duale stressed that the decision to cut down the trees was made in accordance with the law and was not intended to facilitate any land grab or development.

He urged the public to focus on the forest’s long-term conservation goals instead of isolated footage circulating online.

 “The various video footage and reactions do not represent the actual reality of the Karura Forest conservation efforts,” he added.