Illegall logging reduced by 90% in last two years - President Ruto

Nakuru, 

Monday, 28 October, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

President William Ruto has acknowledged the efforts by the Kenya Forest Service in environmental conservation in the Country. 

The President who Presided over the passing out parade of KFS inspector cadets and forester trainees at the National Youth Service headquarters in Gilgil, Nakuru County on Monday, noted that the Government's reform on KFS has resulted to a 90% reduction in illegal logging in the country for the last two years. 

President William Ruto said the Government has enhanced the capabilities of forest rangers to protect the country’s forests.

The Government has invested in technology to improve operational capabilities in surveillance, data collection and evidence-based forestry management.

There has also been significant progress in revamping of rangers’ training and the upgrading of their equipment to align with the demands of their roles.

This reforms have helped curb illegal logging, charcoal burning and other forms of interference with the integrity of forests.

"Because this is a huge milestone in Kenya’s journey towards a greener and more resilient future." Ruto said

The President also recognized KFS for largely running its operations from internally generated revenue, reducing dependency on the Exchequer. This trajectory should be emulated by other government agencies, He said.

Today's event marked the passing-out of 102 inspector cadets and 467 forester trainees after 6 months of rigorous paramilitary training. 

The 569 forest officers who graduated will augment ongoing accelerated efforts to restore degraded landscapes and ecosystems through the 15bn National Tree Growing Programme that seeks to raise Kenya's tree cover to 30% by the year 2032.

They are also expected to strengthen the enforcement and forest protection arm of KFS which has over the last two years significantly lowered previously high levels of illegal logging, encroachment and other forms of crimes in public forests. 

Most importantly, the officers will help hasten the opening up of the rich forestry value chains for Kenya's socioeconomic transformation in line with the Government's BETA plan.

Last year, KFS Forest Law Enforcement Academy (FoLEA) graduated a record 2,667 forest rangers underscoring the Kenya Kwanza administration's deep commitment to forest protection.

President Ruto was accompanied by Environmental and Climate change CS Hon. Aden Duale, Forestry PS Mr. Gitonga, Tourism and Wildlife CS Ms. Rebecca Miano, Nakuru Governor Hon. Susan Kihika, Chairman of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining and Nakuru Town East MP Hon. David Gikaria and area MP Martha Wangari among other dignitaries.

CS Aden Duale recognized Kenya as a leading contributor of Environmental sustainability efforts under President William Ruto 

"In the last two years, Kenya has earned great recognition as a global leader in promoting environmental sustainability and climate action. This is due to President Ruto's proactive leadership." He noted.