KFS Senior Deputy Conservator of Forests Dr. Clement Ng’oriareng. Photo Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva
The (KFS) has conducted a public participation exercise in Makueni County on the planned harvesting of mature and over-mature forest plantations, assuring residents of transparency and strict adherence to due process.
Speaking during the forum, KFS Senior Deputy Conservator of Forests Dr. Clement Ng’oriareng said the exercise is a constitutional requirement and forms part of a nationwide engagement programme on commercial plantation harvesting.
“Today we are in Makueni to undertake public participation on the harvesting of forest plantations that are mature and over-mature. These plantations were established for commercial purposes and, once they reach maturity, they must be harvested as part of the plantation cycle,” said Dr. Ng’oriareng.
He noted that Makueni is the last county in the Lower Eastern region to host the exercise, following similar forums in the Mount Elgon, Cherangani, Mau, Central, Mount Kenya and Upper Eastern ecosystems.
Dr. Ng’oriareng said stakeholders were being taken through the entire harvesting process, including tree evaluation, tendering procedures, bidder selection and contract awards.
“We have invited representatives from the national and county governments, Community Forest Associations, Members of Parliament offices, saw millers and other stakeholders. We are explaining how evaluation is done, how tendering is conducted, and how successful bidders are selected,” he said.
Officials from KFS departments including finance, public procurement, supply chain and plantation management were present to respond to questions from the public.
The conservator emphasized that harvesting is a standard practice in plantation forestry and is immediately followed by replanting to ensure sustainability.
“When we harvest, we also replant. Plantation forestry operates on a cycle. This is part and parcel of commercial forest development. After harvesting, we ensure trees are grown again,” he said, adding that the initiative aligns with the national campaign to grow 15 billion trees.
He said members of the public had raised concerns over how trees are identified for harvesting, who qualifies to harvest, the benefits to communities living adjacent to forests, and the environmental safeguards in place.
“We have undertaken this process in all ecosystems and we have put in place remedial strategies to address environmental concerns. Communities living near forests benefit through user rights and are fully involved through their associations,” he added.
Makueni County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Urban Planning, Climate and Environmental Change said the county government was formally notified of the exercise.
“His Excellency Governor received communication from the national government through KFS regarding this public participation exercise,” Dr. Musila said.
He underscored the importance of Community Forest Associations (CFAs), noting that they represent residents living near forest areas and play a critical oversight role.
“These are our people who live adjacent to the forests. The natural resources there belong to them and to all of us. Nothing should happen in those forests without their involvement and oversight,” he said.
Local saw miller Abraham Mitambo welcomed the forum, saying stakeholders had waited for it for a long time.
“We have been waiting for this public participation exercise. One of the biggest challenges we face as saw millers is misunderstanding from the public,” he said.
Mitambo noted that some members of the public wrongly assume timber harvesting is conducted freely without licenses or registered companies.
“Many people think trees are given out for free or that anyone can just walk into the forest and start cutting without a license. That is not the case. This process helps clarify that harvesting is regulated and must follow the law,” he said.
He also called for the inclusion of youth in the sector, particularly school leavers who remain at home without employment opportunities.
“The youth need to be informed and supported. With proper financing and guidance from KFS, they can be incorporated into timber harvesting operations, provided they meet the requirements,” he said.
Mitambo added that recent licensing measures have helped streamline operations and enhance accountability within the sector.
The public participation exercise concluded with officials encouraging residents to continue engaging with KFS to ensure transparency, sustainability and community benefit in forest plantation management.
