State reaping millions from harvesting of trees

By Wainaina Ndung’u

Commercial farming of Government forests has recorded a big leap in earnings in central Kenya in recent years.

The Director of Central Highlands Conservancy, John Wachihi, said sale of trees for timber and fuel wood raised Sh131 million in the last financial year up from Sh59 million in the 2008/2009 year.

"Income from forestry has been steadily increasing from an average of Sh23 million in the years before 2008," said Wachihi.

He added that forests in the region, which cover the Aberdare and Mt Kenya Forest zones, were projected to earn the Government up to Sh200 million this financial year ending June.

Wachihi said mature cypress and cider trees were attracting bids of up to Sh2,500 because they were largely only available in Government forests.

"With proper infrastructure and systems in place, our projections are that forests in this region could earn the Government Sh2 billion annually by 2015," said the director.

Logging

The huge leap in income comes against a background of a ban on commercial logging in Government forests which has been in force since 1999.

"We have seen the situation improve for the better in the last few years after the Government relaxed the ban, thus allowing sustainable forestry management involving controlled harvesting," Wachihi observed.

He said over 300 contractors were periodically allowed to harvest trees for timber and fuel wood through a competitive bidding process for different blocks. In Nyeri County, 73 loggers have been licensed this year.

Loggers are allowed limited harvesting under different categories, including windfall, which are trees felled by natural forces like strong winds, or wild animals like elephants.

Others are allowed to harvest in sections where the Kenya Forest Services has granted way-leaves for laying of electric lines, water intakes, piping and roads.

Forest fires

Under the salvages category, loggers are licensed to harvest trees affected by accidental fires while others are licensed to thin and re-space commercial plantations to control natural regeneration and remove weak trees.

The forester also said the region was under a forest fire alert as the dry spell continued in the area.

Forests hardest hit by the dry weather include Gathiru, Nanyuki and Narumoru in Nyeri County, Ndaragwa Forest in Nyandarua County and Mai Mahiu Forest in Kiambu County.

"We have sent an advisory to communities neighbouring the forests to help put out any fires and report to us immediately. We are asking farmers not to light fire near forest borders and honey harvesters to be extra careful," said Wachihi.