Evelyn Kimathi Calls for Sustainable Forest Management Amid Logging Concerns

By John Kariuki

Evelyn Kimathi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Dedan Kimathi Foundation, has expressed deep concern over the ongoing logging activities following the recent lifting of the logging ban in the Mau Complex and other parts of the country.

In a heartfelt reflection, Kimathi noted that while the government’s move to allow the harvesting of mature exotic trees may appear procedural, the trend has left her uneasy about the long-term impact on Kenya’s forest cover and climate resilience.

“I observe the national trends keenly. I take all national directives as tools to help us better our nation. However, I haven’t found peace in my heart regarding the logging happening in many forests. The worries living rent-free in my head are costing me sleep,” Kimathi said.

A passionate advocate for environmental conservation and a key supporter of the presidential goal to achieve 30% tree cover by 2032, Kimathi questioned the sustainability of the current harvesting practices. She raised critical concerns about whether permitted sawmillers will only target mature trees, and what safeguards are in place to curb overexploitation.

“By the time the ban closes, what procedures will ensure the tree cover rises beyond the current 12.13% and accelerates towards the 30% target?” she asked.

Kimathi also urged the government and environmental stakeholders to prioritize replacing exotic trees with indigenous species to strengthen long-term carbon sinking and climate change mitigation efforts.

“As these questions continue to torment me, I roll my sleeves, urge my team to tighten their boots, and continue planting trees as if all axes and power saws have taken a ‘forever-leave,’” she remarked.

On Thursday, November 6, 2025, Kimathi led a team of 40 youthful volunteers in planting 1,000 indigenous trees in Chemolingot, Baringo County, in partnership with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) under the multi-agency Operation Maliza Uhalifu.

She commended the KDF’s environmental soldiers for their discipline and dedication, noting an impressive 98% survival rate of previously planted trees due to consistent watering, mulching, and protection efforts.

“To attain 30% tree cover, we must plant more than we harvest,” Kimathi concluded, reaffirming her commitment to driving Kenya’s environmental sustainability agenda.