Politics and policy
Logging at Sabor Forest in Keiyo. PHOTO | FILE
By FRANCIS MUREITHI
Saw millers are preparing to shed jobs and increase
timber prices, following a 60-day ban on logging to allow a valuation of
Kenya’s forest cover.
Environment, Water and Natural Resources secretary Judi
Wakhungu, however, said tree harvesting on private land and farms were
exempted from the moratorium provided that guidelines on clarifying on
the origin of logs and movement permits are adhered to.
“During the period, allocations of materials will
remain suspended with effect from December 20,” Prof Wakhungu said in a
public notice on Monday.
Saw millers said the ban would reverse the prevailing low timber prices and prompt a closure of mills.
“Without the logs in my timber yard it means the
there are no jobs for my workers and I will have no alternative but to
close down the saw mill until the ban is lifted,” said James Nderitu, a
saw miller in Elburgon, Nakuru, adding that he would send his 100
workers on forced leave.
“I was servicing a loan in one of the banks and
since I have no stock it means I will have to look for an alternative
means to repay the loan.”
Reduced restriction on logging had prompted a fall
in timber prices with saw millers in Elburgon selling a tonne of cypress
at about Sh23,000, down from between Sh27,000 and Sh32,000 last year.
Mr Nderitu expects the prices to spike on increased demand from real estate investors.
Prof Wakhungu said the freeze is meant to ensure
equity in allocation of resources and that the roles of stakeholders are
articulated and clarified.
She directed the Kenya Forest Service not to issue
or renew timber harvesting allocations, permits and licences in any
public forest.
“The Kenya Forest Service is under strict
instructions not to issue or renew timber harvesting allocations,
permits and licences in public forest, except for clearing for road
right of way, way leaves, and fencing to mitigate human wildlife
conflict,” she said.
The government in 1999 introduced a partial logging ban which granted rights to some millers to exploit public forests.
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