Kenya Forest Service set to work with timber manufacturers

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) will work with timber manufacturers to attain 10 per cent forest cover.

KFS Director General Emillio Mugo said the Government was committed to continuously reviewing existing legislation and policy to promote private sector investment in forestry.

"Timber manufacturers have been brought on board because they are main stakeholders in forestry," said Mugo.

While working closely with manufacturers, the director asked them to continue investing in production of indigenous seedlings that will be planted in dilapidated forest areas.

Mr Mugo was speaking in Londiani over the weekend after concluding a two-day tour of KFS field activities in Nakuru, Baringo and Kericho counties.

The director said the Londiani tree nursery is one of the biggest tree nurseries that have been established in conjunction with the local community and other stakeholders.

The nursery has 2.5 million seedlings that will be distributed for reforestation in Nakuru, Kericho and Baringo.

"The nursery has quality seedlings that will be transplanted and nurtured in degraded areas," said Mugo.

Also present during the tour was Timber Manufacturers Association national chairman Bernard Gitau who said seedlings in Londiani will be increased from 2.5 million to 4.5 million by next year.

"We have allocated a separate space that will enable production of 4.5 million seedlings to boost the rehabilitation programme," said Gitau.

Mugo said 60,000 hectares have been reclaimed in Mau Forest, with most of them being in south western part of Mau complex and Marishoni.

In Narok County, he said, 18,000 hectares have been reclaimed with more set to be completed in phase four of the process to be spelt out by the Kenya Water Towers Agency.