This archive report was first published on 28 November 2019.
On November 28, 2019, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) announced its intention to recover over Sh1 billion from Sawmillers across the country.
The move comes after the Service dismissed allegations that it owes Sawmillers an unspecified amount of money.
According to a statement from the KFS corporate communications department, the Service has not received any formal complaints from Sawmillers regarding monies owed to them.
Contrary to the allegations, the Service said it is owed more than Sh1 billion and has made demands to specific Sawmillers to settle their debts since 2018.
The Service appreciates those who have endeavored to clear these debts and plans to pursue the matter until all remaining debts are paid.
Going forward, the KFS will register Sawmillers through an online e-registration platform to guarantee transparency, fairness, and accountability.
The e-registration system was one of the recommendations of the Forestry Task Force Report, 2018.
Early this month, the government extended the ban on logging to a year, slowing the activities of Sawmillers across the country.
