In a significant policy shift, Kenyan President William Ruto has announced a conditional lift of the nationwide logging ban. The move, carefully framed around sustainable forest management, permits the harvesting of only mature trees across the country’s forests.
President Ruto emphasized the economic logic behind the decision, stating that mature timber should be utilized for commercial purposes rather than being left to rot. The strategy is tightly linked to his government’s flagship affordable housing program.
Moreover, the government has banned furniture imports. Therefore, allowing timber harvesting is handy for local artisans and youth to manufacture furniture, creating a domestic value chain and reducing the need to import furniture from countries like China.
“This is not a license for wanton destruction,” the President cautioned, underscoring the conditional nature of the lift. The government plans to engage directly with sawmillers to enforce responsible logging practices.
However, the move has drawn criticism, citing it as a danger to the already compromized Kenya’s forest cover. Experts argue involved parties will use corruption loopholes to practice excessive logging.
According to the authorities, the decision aims to strike a balance between economic stimulus and environmental preservation. They add it is a new chapter for Kenya’s forestry sector that prioritizes both local industry and sustainable resource management.
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