Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko. /KFS

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has defended ongoing logging operations in Ngong Hills Forest, saying the harvesting of mature plantations in the Kibiku Forest Block was legally authorised and is being conducted during daytime.

The clarification follows the circulation of videos and photographs on social media alleging illegal logging in the forest, with claims that the activities were being carried out at night.

In a statement, KFS said the harvesting involves 56 hectares of mature forest plantations and was being undertaken following a competitive bidding process and the subsequent award of a tender.

“The harvesting operations are being undertaken in accordance with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015, the Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2026, the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, and the Forest Harvesting Rules, 2016,” the service said.

KFS said the logging exercise was being conducted within the legally prescribed hours intended to regulate activities in forest areas.

“Forest operations are required to be conducted between 6am and 6pm as stipulated under the FCMA 2026,” it said.

The service addressed a photograph circulating online showing a trailer loaded with logs, which has fuelled speculation about the timing and circumstances of the harvesting operations.

KFS said it had received information that the vehicle had broken down and was undergoing repairs, adding that it was still verifying the circumstances surrounding the incident.

It did not disclose when the trailer broke down, where the incident occurred or when its verification would be completed.

“The photograph alone does not establish that harvesting activities were taking place at night,” KFS said.

KFS did not also provide further details of the logging tender award, including the contractor's identity or the value of the contract, but sought to distinguish the authorised harvesting of mature plantations from allegations of illegal logging.

The service further said regeneration of the harvested areas through community participation would follow the harvesting of the mature trees.

It said this would involve the Community Forest Association, which is normally engaged to replant trees under the Plantation Enterprise and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS).

The scheme provides a framework for involving communities in plantation establishment and management, linking harvesting operations with subsequent replanting.

KFS urged members of the public seeking clarification on forest management and harvesting activities from the nearest service station rather than rely on unverified claims circulating online.

It also called on the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station for investigation or send information to [email protected] .