“Include Commercial Forestry in the Forest Bill” Uasin Gishu County Environment Executive urges the government

Far left,Gen.(Rtd) Humphrey Njoroge, Hon Isaac Terer Uasin Gishu county speaker and Mrs.Ann Njogu.

The Uasin Gishu County Environment Executive Mrs. Mary Njogu has challenged the government to include commercial forestry and private forests in the Forest Bill which is due for debate in parliament soon.

The private commercial forests sector is hardly recognized in the current Forest Bill which mostly emphasizes on the conservation of natural forests in the limited state forests.

Speaking during a commercial forest sensitization event in Eldoret, Mrs. Njogu noted that the country has seen an increase in wood demand which unfortunately the local supply is insufficiently. The result is increased imports which automatically translates loose of revenue to our neighbouring countries where we import from. 

  

“Statistics from Kenya Forest Master Plan predicted that there would be a 68 million tonnes per year wood deficit by 2020. Recent estimates for projected supply and demand for wood and wood products in the country are already 20 million tonnes deficit per year. This goes to show that there is a gap that needs bridging,” said Mrs. Njogu.

To meet this demand, deforestation on water catchment areas has been witnessed notably in the Mau Forest. Private forest growers feel that commercial forestry will provide a lasting solution and can immensely contribute towards economic growth and the conservation of environment.

The Kenya Forest Growers Association (KEFGA) a national association has been in the fore front representing and advocating for private forests and commercial tree growing in Kenya.

According to Gen. (Rtd)  Njoroge KEFGA’s Chairman, commercial forestry has the potential to create jobs in rural areas due to its low capital outlays. Private investment in forests not only assures land owners a return on their investment but will also secure Kenya’s energy sustainability, reduce pressure on natural forest and improve the trade balance by reducing imports of wood products. Commercial forestry would also enhance the increase of forest cover towards achievement of the 10% cover in line with the Constitution of Kenya 2010.

“Commercial forestry and private forest management has not been given much attention in Kenya as has been done in other countries such Uganda. The Ugandan government allocated 10, 000 hectares of  land to commercial forestry. Countries like Australia, South Africa and New Zealand have huge industries based upon privately managed forests,” said Gen.(Rtd) Njoroge.

The Forest Policy and Forest Act, 2005 are due for review to align them with the new constitution as well as address the realities in the marketplace and KEFGA members hope that commercial forestry can be recognized and incorporated in the governance structures of the forestry sub-sector.

KEFGA, a national association was formed and registered in 2008. It currently has 300 member who include commercial growers ranging in scale from 2 to 1, 000 acres who are located in numerous counties. So far the association has invested Ksh.1.2 billion and created 30,000 jobs.