Residents Raise Alarm Over Massive Logging in Kapchemutwa Forest, Demand Halt to New KFS Contract

 

Residents of Kapchemutwa in Elgeyo Marakwet County have raised the alarm over what they describe as massive and destructive logging activities in the Kapchemutwa Forest, calling for urgent government intervention to protect the forest from further degradation.

Led by resident Joseph Cheptaiget, the community members accused several contractors operating under the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) of felling trees at an alarming rate, raising concerns over the long-term environmental impact of the activities.

The residents claim that the ongoing logging is depleting forest resources and could have serious consequences for the local environment, including water sources and the ecological balance of the area.

They are particularly opposed to a new logging contract that is expected to commence at the end of September, and have appealed to the government to suspend the planned operations until the concerns raised by the community are fully investigated.

Cheptaiget and fellow residents Isaac Kosgei, Samson Kiprotich and Nixon Biwot said the community should be involved in decisions concerning activities taking place within the forest, particularly where such activities could affect the environment and livelihoods of surrounding communities.

The residents want relevant government agencies to inspect the affected areas and establish whether the logging operations are being carried out within the limits of approved forest management plans and environmental regulations.

They further called for greater transparency regarding the licensing of contractors and the number of trees authorised for harvesting, arguing that uncontrolled logging could undermine ongoing conservation efforts.

However, the Kenya Forest Service has defended the logging activities, rejecting allegations that the operations are illegal or being conducted outside established procedures.

Speaking through Elgeyo Marakwet County Forest Conservator Richard Guya, KFS maintained that the ongoing activities are being undertaken in accordance with statutory requirements, approved procedures and existing regulations governing forest management.

The Forest Service's position comes amid growing concern from residents over the scale of tree harvesting in the area, setting the stage for further scrutiny of the operations.

The dispute now pits residents' demands for stronger conservation measures against KFS's position that the activities are legally authorised and regulated.

Residents have nevertheless maintained their call for intervention, insisting that the government should address their concerns before the proposed new contract begins at the end of September.

The controversy is likely to attract increased attention as local communities, conservation stakeholders and government agencies seek clarity on the extent of logging, the terms of the contracts issued and measures in place to ensure sustainable management of Kapchemutwa Forest.