The Environment and Land Court in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County, has issued conservatory orders stopping all logging activities in the Aberdare Forest until further directions are issued by the court.
The orders apply to both licensed and unlicensed timber dealers operating in the forest, in a move aimed at addressing concerns over the destruction of the Aberdare water tower.
Justice Joseph Mugo Kamau is expected to lead a court visit to Geta Forest on Friday, October 23, 2026, accompanied by all parties involved in the case.
The visit is expected to give the court an opportunity to assess the situation on the ground as the legal proceedings continue.
The case was filed by Kipipiri resident Wanjiku Muhia and Elijah Gachuki, a voter from Kipipiri, who raised concerns over the continued destruction of the forest through logging activities.
During the court proceedings, Muhia told the court that the Aberdare water tower had suffered extensive destruction, particularly in the Geta Forest block in Kipipiri.
The concerns highlight the environmental risks associated with the loss of forest cover in an area that plays an important role in water conservation.
The Aberdare Forest is an important water catchment area that supports rivers and water supplies serving communities and ecosystems in the surrounding regions.
Continued forest destruction raises concerns about the long-term effects on water sources, biodiversity and the environment.
Wanjiku Muhia was represented in court by lawyer Kiragu Wathuta, while Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who was listed as an interested party in the case, was represented by lawyer Ndegwa Njiru.
Both legal teams expressed optimism that the court proceedings would help protect the interests of the general public as concerns over logging in the forest continue to emerge.
The court has directed the Nyandarua County Police Commander and the County Conservator of Forests to ensure that the conservatory orders are enforced.
The directive places responsibility on the two offices to ensure that logging activities covered by the court order stop as required.
The court’s intervention comes amid concerns over the protection of forest ecosystems and the need to safeguard critical water catchment areas from further degradation.
The planned visit to Geta Forest on October 23 is expected to provide an opportunity for the court and the parties to examine the concerns raised in the case before further directions are issued.
