The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has dismissed allegations of illegal logging in Ngong Hills Forest, clarifying that the ongoing harvesting of mature forest plantations in the area is being conducted under an approved tender.
In a statement, KFS said the harvesting operations were taking place in the Kibiku Forest Block, where a tender had been competitively awarded for the harvesting of 56 hectares of mature forest plantations.
The Service said the exercise was being undertaken in accordance with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015, the Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2026, the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, and the 2016 forest harvesting rules.
The clarification follows the circulation of videos and photographs on social media alleging that trees were being illegally felled in Ngong Hills Forest, with some claims suggesting that the activities were taking place at night.
KFS maintained that forest operations are required to be conducted between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., as stipulated under the Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2026.
“The photograph alone does not establish that harvesting activities were taking place at night,” the Service said, addressing an image circulating online showing a trailer loaded with logs.
According to KFS, it had received information that the vehicle had broken down and was undergoing repairs. The Service said it was verifying the circumstances surrounding the incident.
KFS further explained that once harvesting is completed, the Community Forest Association is normally engaged to facilitate the replanting of trees through the Plantation Enterprise and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS).
The scheme is part of the post-harvesting process through which communities participate in forest restoration and tree planting.
The Service urged members of the public to seek clarification from the nearest KFS station whenever concerns arise over forest management or plantation harvesting.
It also called on Kenyans to rely on verified information when discussing the matter and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station for investigation.
The clarification comes amid public scrutiny of forest management activities following the circulation of images and videos that have raised questions about the harvesting of trees in Ngong Hills Forest.
KFS said it was verifying the circumstances surrounding the vehicle incident, with the photograph alone insufficient to establish that harvesting took place outside the permitted hours.
