This archive report was first published on 4 June 2020.
On June 4, 2020, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) law enforcement officers launched a sting operation to curb the rising trend of illegal charcoal trade in the North Rift region, Baringo, and Laikipia counties.
During the operation, four lorries were impounded, including one with 77 bags of charcoal concealed by Doum palm brooms, another with 200 red cedar and 100 rosewood timber, and two others with 35 and 28 bags of charcoal respectively.
Four suspects were arrested and are in custody aiding with further investigations. The KFS has also deployed mobile law enforcement teams to the region to intensify the operations and ensure the vice is stopped at the point of origin.
Chief Conservator of Forests Julius Kamau has called upon all Kenyans to take it upon themselves to stop illegal charcoal burning and transportation within their environs, emphasizing that local communities have the potential to eradicate irresponsible exploitation of forest resources.
The moratorium on logging activities in public and community forests by the Government is still in place, and the Service is keen on ensuring the directive is enforced.
