KFS Dismisses Petition Addressed to CS Aden Duale

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has rejected a petition that seeks to stop various construction and development projects that involve forests, arguing that the petition is misleading and meant to stir public outrage.

In a strongly worded statement, KFS criticized the entity behind the petition, saying, “The organization making these claims has not provided specific details or evidence of the alleged forest destruction.

They have also failed to demonstrate any attempts to engage with the Kenya Forest Service for clarification or redress.”

The statement, which was shared in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) and not officially signed by any KFS official, did not directly name the group responsible for the petition. However, it was evident that the response was directed at Greenpeace Africa.

The environmental advocacy group has launched a petition urging the government to halt deforestation and protect Kenya’s forests from destructive activities.

According to the petition, which was reviewed by Kenyans.co.ke, the appeal is addressed to Aden Duale, the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry.

The petition demands immediate intervention to stop deforestation, enforce the logging ban, strengthen governance through transparent community participation, and take decisive action against illegal loggers and land grabbers.

Greenpeace Africa further warns that forests covering an area nearly ten times the size of Nairobi are at risk of destruction.

They specifically mention Suam Forest, where part of the land is reportedly set aside for the construction of a border town, Oloolua Forest, which is allegedly being allocated to a private developer, and large sections of Karura and Aberdare forests that may be affected by a proposed road expansion project.

The petition also calls for strict measures against illegal logging and land grabbing, demanding that CS Duale hold powerful political and business figures accountable for any involvement in forest destruction.

However, in response, KFS dismissed these concerns, explaining that any project involving forest land goes through a rigorous Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). This process includes public participation and detailed plans for forest restoration to ensure environmental sustainability.

KFS further urged the public to verify any reports about forest threats before spreading alarmist claims. “We encourage the public to assess each case individually and seek clarification from the nearest KFS office instead of relying on unverified allegations,” the statement added.

A review by Kenyans.co.ke showed that the petition has so far gathered 13,452 signatures, with a target of 20,000.

KFS reassured Kenyans that no gazetted forest in the country is facing destruction, urging people to report any genuine concerns for investigation. “To be clear, there is no planned destruction of any protected forest. If the public has any concerns, they should report them to us for further action,” the agency stated.

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