Kenya’s President, William Ruto, has made the decision to lift the long-standing ban on logging that had been imposed for the past six years. President Ruto believes that this move is long overdue, as it aims to generate employment opportunities and promote the growth of sectors in the economy that rely on forest resources.
The ban on logging was initially implemented in 2018 due to concerns regarding its negative impact on the environment and contribution to climate change. However, during a speech delivered in Molo, located in the Rift Valley region, President Ruto defended the decision to lift the ban, referring to the previous moratorium on logging as “foolish.”
He emphasized that while trees were decaying in the forest, people were struggling to access timber. President Ruto highlighted the need for a change in approach, stating, “Do you see the foolishness?” In an effort to support local industries, the government has introduced taxes on imported timber and furniture in the recent budget, aiming to promote domestic production by the Kenyan people.
The ban on logging had adversely affected communities that relied on logging for their livelihoods. With the lifting of the ban, these areas can now expect some relief and opportunities for economic growth.
This decision aligns with the government’s broader initiative to enhance Kenya’s tree cover by planting 15 billion trees within a 10-year timeframe. The goal is to significantly increase the country’s forested areas and promote sustainable practices for the benefit of both the environment and the economy.
