Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has issued a strong warning against individuals seeking to illegally acquire forest assets in Kenya. Speaking during the launch of the Forest Status Report 2024, Duale emphasized that all procurement of forest resources must strictly adhere to the law to prevent further deforestation and environmental degradation.
The Forest Status Report 2024, the first of its kind in Kenya, provides a comprehensive analysis of the country’s forest ecosystems and highlights concerning statistics. According to the report, Kenya loses an average of 14,934 hectares of forest cover annually, with the overall deforestation rate standing at 84,716 hectares per year. Key contributing factors include population growth, poverty, encroachment, overgrazing, natural disasters, and socio-cultural practices.
In response, the Kenya Kwanza administration has rolled out several conservation initiatives under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). One of the most ambitious projects is the 15 Billion Tree Growing for Ecosystem and Landscape Restoration Program, spearheaded by President William Ruto. The program aims to increase Kenya’s tree cover from 12.13% to 30% by 2032, while restoring 10.6 million hectares of degraded forest land.
Technology is playing a crucial role in Kenya’s forest conservation efforts. The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has implemented a Digital Radio Network and an Early Fire Video Detection System to enhance real-time monitoring and response to forest fires. Additionally, the integration of drones into surveillance systems has significantly improved the tracking of illegal logging, reforestation efforts, and responses to environmental threats.
To bolster enforcement, the government has recruited over 3,300 Forest Rangers, Foresters, Forest Assistants, and Inspector Cadets to strengthen forest protection and law enforcement efforts. Community involvement is also a key pillar of conservation strategies, with 229 registered Community Forest Associations (CFAs) actively participating in reforestation, fire prevention, and sustainable resource management at the grassroots level.
Beyond conservation, the forestry sector plays a significant role in Kenya’s economy and global climate efforts. The report reveals that Kenya’s forests sequester approximately 140 million tons of CO₂, supporting the country’s Paris Agreement commitments and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Duale urged all stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector players, and local communities, to support the report’s recommendations, emphasizing that it serves as a roadmap for sustainable forest management and a greener future for Kenya.
