The Environment and Land Court in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County has temporarily stopped logging activities in Aberdare Forest, following a legal challenge over tree harvesting in a key water catchment area.
Justice Joseph Mugo Kamau issued conservatory orders suspending logging by both licensed and unlicensed dealers until the court gives further directions.
The case was filed by Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia and Elijah Gachuki, a voter from the constituency, amid growing public concern over the scale of tree harvesting, particularly in the Geta Forest Block.
The court has directed the Nyandarua County Police Commander and the County Conservator of Forests to enforce the orders.
Justice Kamau is expected to visit Geta Forest on October 23, accompanied by the parties in the case, to assess the situation on the ground.
During the proceedings, Muhia raised concerns about what she described as destruction of the Aberdare water tower through logging, arguing that the activities threatened an ecosystem relied upon by surrounding communities.
The court action follows protests by residents and local leaders over trucks transporting logs out of the forest. Residents have questioned the scale of harvesting and whether adequate safeguards are in place to protect water sources and forest ecosystems.
Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha has also expressed concern over reports of streams and water intakes drying up, raising questions about the implications for households and agricultural activities that depend on water from the Aberdares.
The court order comes amid a dispute over whether the ongoing operations constitute forest destruction or lawful harvesting of mature trees in commercial plantations.
The Kenya Forest Services (KFS) has maintained that the exercise targets mature and over-mature plantation trees under approved management plans, rather than indigenous trees.
Nyandarua County Forest Conservator Daniel Mkung has said 50 sawmillers were authorised to harvest trees from designated plantations, with work plans specifying the areas and quantities permitted.
The Rift Valley, Central and Eastern Association of Sawmillers has also defended the operations, arguing that harvesting mature plantation trees supplies timber, generates government revenue and allows land to be prepared for replanting.
The government imposed a logging ban in public forests in 2018 amid concerns about deforestation and the degradation of water catchments. President William Ruto announced the lifting of the moratorium in July 2023, allowing commercial harvesting of mature trees in designated plantations.
The government defended the decision on the grounds that harvesting mature plantation trees would support timber production, employment and replanting.
However, environmental concerns over forest management have persisted, particularly where harvesting takes place in landscapes that serve as water catchments.
The Aberdare ecosystem is an important source of water for communities and agricultural areas in central Kenya, as well as for rivers and water systems serving areas beyond the immediate forest boundary. Forest degradation can affect soil stability, water regulation and biodiversity.
