The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has issued a robust defence of ongoing logging activities in the Kivale Forest Station within Mbooni, Makueni County, following allegations of illegality raised by local leaders.
The controversy erupted after Makueni County Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr reported spotting unauthorized personnel conducting logging in the forest. Governor Mutula’s concerns, formally communicated in a statement dated July 28th, were subsequently brought before the Senate by Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo.
“The Governor’s concerns… highlight that the implementation of government policies on natural resources and environmental conservation, including forestry, is a function that has been devolved to the county government,” Senator Maanzo stated in the Senate. “It has come to our attention that there has been unexplained logging activity ongoing in Kivale Forest, and this raises concerns that need to be addressed.”
KFS: Logging Authorized, Legal, and Sustainable
In a statement released today (August 1st), KFS strongly refuted claims of wrongdoing. The service asserted that the operations are fully authorized, lawful, and aligned with sustainable forest management principles.
“KFS is fully aware of and has authorized the ongoing sustainable forest harvesting activities in Mbooni (Kivale) Forest Station,” the KFS statement declared. “These activities were approved by the KFS Board of Directors through a meticulously prepared harvesting plan, in compliance with the Forest Conservation and Management Act 2016.”
KFS provided several key justifications for the operations:
- Legal Authorization: The Chief Conservator of Forests officially authorized the activities on May 22, 2025.
- Court Mandate: The logging aligns with a court ruling issued on October 3, 2024, which lifted the national moratorium on logging.
- Ecological Necessity: KFS explained that the primary focus is on removing over-mature plantation species, particularly trees older than 30 years. They argued these ageing trees pose ecological risks, such as weakened root systems, which could lead to further forest degradation if not addressed.
- Community Involvement: KFS stated that the Mbooni Community Forest Association (CFA) was “actively involved in public participation throughout the process.”
- Community Benefits: The service revealed “hidden benefits,” including providing short-term employment for youth in the Mbooni region and supplying firewood derived from the old trees to the local community.
Clash Over Devolved Powers
Despite KFS’s detailed explanation, the core dispute appears to extend beyond the specific logging activities to the broader issue of devolved authority. Governor Mutula’s statement explicitly emphasized that the management of natural resources and environmental conservation, including forestry functions, falls under the mandate of the county government as per Kenya’s devolution framework. The county’s position suggests that KFS may not have adequately involved or sought authorization from the county government before proceeding, regardless of its own internal approvals and the court ruling lifting the moratorium.
Unresolved Tensions
While KFS has moved to quell concerns by outlining the legal and ecological basis for the Kivale logging, the response from Makueni County leadership highlights ongoing tensions regarding the implementation of devolved functions and county oversight of local natural resources. The situation underscores the complex interplay between national agencies, judicial decisions, and county governments in managing Kenya’s vital forest ecosystems. Whether KFS’s clarification will satisfy the concerns raised by Governor Mutula and Senator Maanzo remains to be seen.
