Rangers recover wood worth Ksh.800,000 in logging crackdown

Rangers recover wood worth Ksh.800,000 in logging crackdown

The Kenya Forestry Service officers have recovered eight tonnes of Bambaru wood estimated at Ksh. 800,000  in Maisha Masha area, Witu in Lamu county.

This was after KFS officers, who are part of the multi-agency effort in Boni forest, were tipped off by locals on illegal timber harvest activities inside the forest.

Three loggers fled the scene before the officers arrived but local police have launched a manhunt for them.

Timber KFS wood

Speaking during the recovery, the Witu forest station manager chief inspector John Mbori alongside Lamu ecosystem conservator  Evans Maneno said that the wood is highly sought since it is used to make boats, furniture and for building.

The recovery follows a government ban on logging by Deputy President William Ruto on and timber harvesting in public forests.

Following the 90-day ban, Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko further suspended the Plantation Establishment and Livelihood Implementation Scheme (PELIS) pending independent status assessment.

Tobiko also directed the KFS to commence the necessary rehabilitation programmes including replanting of indigenous trees , ensuring total protection of the forest block.

Tags:

Police logging KFS Lamu County manhunt Boni Forest Timber Kenya Forestry Service officers loggers Maisha Masha area timber harvest Witu wood

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