The Environment and Land Court in Ol Kalou has temporarily stopped logging activities in Aberdare Forest following growing concerns over tree felling and its possible impact on the critical water catchment area.
The court issued conservatory orders on Wednesday, October 14, suspending logging by both licensed and unlicensed dealers until further directions are issued.
The case was filed by Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia and Elijah Gachuki, a voter from the constituency, who are challenging the ongoing tree harvesting in the forest.
Justice Joseph Mugo Kamau is expected to visit Geta Forest in Kipipiri on Friday, October 23, accompanied by the parties involved in the case.
The Nyandarua County Police Commander and the County Conservator of Forests have been directed to enforce the court order.
During the court proceedings, Muhia raised concerns over the destruction of the Aberdare water tower, particularly in the Geta Forest Block, where logging activities have drawn growing public attention.
The court action comes days after residents and leaders in Nyandarua raised alarm over lorries transporting logs from the forest, warning that continued tree felling could threaten the environment and water sources relied on by surrounding communities.
Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha has expressed concern over reports of streams and water intakes drying up, while residents have questioned the scale of logging and the benefits local communities are receiving from the exercise.
However, forest authorities have defended the harvesting, maintaining that it targets mature and over-mature trees in designated commercial plantations and is carried out under approved work plans.
Nyandarua County Forest Conservator Daniel Mkung has said authorised sawmillers are permitted to harvest trees from designated areas, insisting that the exercise does not involve indiscriminate cutting of indigenous trees.
The Rift Valley, Central and Eastern Association of Sawmillers has also defended the operations, arguing that harvesting mature plantation trees supports timber production, government revenue and preparation of land for replanting.
The court’s latest orders temporarily suspend the activities as the legal dispute proceeds. The planned visit to Geta Forest is expected to give the court and the parties an opportunity to assess the situation on the ground.
