This archive report was first published on 19 July 2019.
Kenya: Four Forestry Officials Suspended Over Mbooni Forest Timber Theft ¶
Four forestry officials in Kenya have been suspended over allegations of timber theft in the Mbooni Forest, Makueni County.
According to the Forestry Service, an in-depth investigation was conducted, which revealed that the officials had failed to respond to the timber theft in the Kivuva area of the forest.
The suspension comes days after the Forestry Service launched a crackdown on timber thieves in the forest.
Forest Director Julius Kamau and Forestry Service Chairman Peter Kinyua visited the area last week following allegations that illegal timber harvesting was taking place in the forest and confirmed the allegations.
Speaking on the suspension, Kamau said that many officials work voluntarily, but a few are undermining government efforts to combat forest degradation.
He warned that the law will take its course, and those found guilty will be severely punished.
He also urged residents in the area to continue planting more trees in their farms to conserve the environment and report any cases of timber theft in the forest without permission.
The government aims to have 10% of the country's forests conserved by 2030 to combat climate change, but timber thieves have been undermining the effort.
A tweet from the Environment Ministry shows the ministry's efforts to combat forest degradation.
Residents are being urged to report any cases of timber theft in the forest to the authorities.
