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A county government official has accused the Kenya Forest Service of laxity.
Nandi County Environment, Water and Natural Resources Executive John Chumo says KFS is not doing enough to protect South Nandi forest from unscrupulous timber merchants.
The forest is a major water catchment area and home to many species of indigenous trees and rare bird species.
Blind eye
However, according to Mr Chumo, massive logging and charcoal burning is threatening the existence of the forest.
He said the forest is losing at least 100 indigenous trees per week to unscrupulous timber merchants allegedly colluding with KFS officials.
Chumo spoke after area residents held demonstrations calling for better protection of the forest.
On Tuesday, the residents arrested and frogmarched a suspected logger to the regional forest office.
Chumo accused KFS of turning a blind eye to the forest’s destruction.
He said the county government had no powers to take action against KFS officials, and called for the devolution of forest management.
“I will communicate the grievance to the KFS director to take immediate action,” he said.
The executive claimed that some KFS were abetting the forest’s destruction.
“Charcoal burning has become the order of the day in the forest because the officials permit dealers to conduct the business,” he said.
Attempts to reach KFS officials at South Nandi forest station were unsuccessful.
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