The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has defended the harvesting of 56 hectares of mature forest plantations in Ngong Hills Forest following allegations of illegal logging at night, saying the operation was awarded through a competitive tender.
In a clarification, the Service said the harvesting was taking place in the Kibiku Forest Block under a tender awarded in accordance with the applicable procurement and forest management framework.
The statement follows the circulation of videos and photographs on social media alleging that trees were being felled illegally in the forest, with claims that the activities were being carried out at night.
KFS said forest operations are required to take place between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., citing the forest management legislation. It maintained that a photograph showing a trailer loaded with logs did not, on its own, establish that harvesting activities had taken place at night.
Regarding the photograph, the Service said it had received information that the vehicle had broken down and was undergoing repairs. KFS added that it was verifying the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The agency said the harvesting involved mature plantations covering 56 hectares in the Kibiku Forest Block and followed a competitive bidding process. However, the clarification did not provide further details of the tender award or the circumstances surrounding the circulating photograph.
The legal framework governing forest management includes the Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016, as amended in 2026, and the applicable forest harvesting rules. Public procurement is governed by the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015.
KFS also outlined the process expected after plantation harvesting, saying the Community Forest Association is normally engaged to support replanting through the Plantation Enterprise and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS).
The scheme provides a framework for community participation in plantation establishment and management. However, the Service did not specify when replanting would begin in the affected section of Ngong Hills Forest.
KFS urged members of the public to seek clarification from the nearest forest station whenever they have concerns about forest management or harvesting activities.
The Service further asked Kenyans to rely on verified information when discussing the matter and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station for investigation.
The circumstances surrounding the trailer photograph remain under verification, according to KFS, and the agency has not provided further details on the outcome of its inquiries.
