The Environment and Land Court in Nyandarua has extended conservatory orders barring the felling and transportation of trees from the Aberdare Forest as a case challenging logging activities in the water tower continues.

Justice Joseph Mugo Kamau issued the extension on Friday after visiting the Geta Forest block, accompanied by parties to the case, to assess areas where logging had been conducted.

The judge said the court would reconvene on November 11, when further directions would be issued.

“Now that we have been on the ground, we have made our observations, some of which have been aired by the various advocates. I’ve also made my own observations, which I’ve put down. Now, we meet in court on the 11th of November," said Mugo.

The case was filed by Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia and Elijah Gachuki following public concern over logging in the Aberdare Forest, with fears that the activities could lead to environmental degradation and threaten a critical water catchment area.

However, authorised commercial sawmillers have maintained that the activities constitute lawful plantation management rather than deforestation.

The court directed the Nyandarua County Police Commander and the County Conservator of Forests to ensure strict enforcement of the suspension of logging activities.

The matter will be mentioned again on November 11 for further directions.