The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has moved to clarify a viral video circulating online, which appears to show destruction within Karura Forest.
In a
statement released on Thursday, KFS said the footage, recorded by a cyclist,
captured sections of the forest that had been earmarked for harvesting exotic
tree species.
The service confirmed that the harvesting was completed in the 2024/2025 financial year as
part of a larger plan to restore the forest's ecological integrity.
"Replanting
efforts have already begun, with pitting underway in preparation for the
upcoming rainy season. Indigenous trees will be planted to replace the exotic
species that were removed," KFS said.
The service emphasised that the goal is to restore Karura into a fully indigenous urban
forest, enhancing its value for recreation and ecotourism.
Earlier this year, KFS announced they were harvesting
exotic trees in an area of 6.3 hectares in Karura Forest.
They harvested exotic tree species for fuel wood and
fencing posts. This, they said, is in line with the felling plan for the 2024/2025 financial year.
"Banners announcing the
harvesting of these forest plantations have been placed at the entrance to
Karura Forest and in other strategic points within the forest , informing the public about the harvesting operations
happening in Karura Forest—clear evidence of a transparent process," the
statement on X read.
They stated that once complete, depending on the age of the plantation, some plantations will be left to coppice and will be managed according to the forest technical order, while others will be replanted through the Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS).
KFS stated that harvesting of forest plantations is ongoing in various counties nationwide.
The Service stated that Forest
Plantations are deliberately established to provide timber for the domestic
market, which is different from indigenous forests, and are conserved for
ecological integrity.
They stated that the management plan is a public document and can be accessed.
KFS urged
the public to verify information from official sources before sharing
potentially
