Kenya Forest Service Clarifies Removal of Exotic Trees in Karura Forest

Nairobi, Kenya – In response to public concerns and social media claims about tree cutting in Karura Forest, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has issued a statement clarifying that the ongoing activities are part of a planned and legal forest management process. The KFS assured the public and visitors of Karura Forest that the removal of exotic tree species is not forest destruction but a necessary step to revert the forest to its indigenous state.

The KFS explained that the current operations are guided by the Karura Forest Participatory Forest Management Plan (PFMP), a legal document developed in collaboration with the Community Forest Association (CFA), specifically Friends of Karura Forest (FKF). According to the PFMP, the objective is to gradually remove exotic plantation species, such as eucalyptus and cypress, which currently occupy parts of Karura Forest, and replace them with indigenous trees.

The program to remove exotic species began over six years ago but was halted due to a 2018 moratorium on logging in public forests. With the recent lifting of this ban, the KFS has resumed the removal process. The procedures for harvesting mature plantations have been meticulously followed, including inventorying the selected plantations, bidding, awarding tenders, and clear-felling.

The restoration process following the removal of exotic trees includes several steps to ensure the successful re-establishment of indigenous species:

1. Clean-up and Removal of Invasive Species: Sites are cleared of plantation material and invasive species.
2. Site Preparation for Replanting: The ground is prepared to accommodate new plantings.
3. Planting of Indigenous Species: Indigenous trees, shrubs, and climbers suitable for the ecological zone are planted.
4. Aftercare and Maintenance: Continuous care is provided to the new plantings to ensure their growth.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation: The progress of the replanting efforts is closely monitored to ensure a high survival rate of the new plants.

The KFS emphasized that all activities are conducted with minimal disturbance to the ecosystem and the public. This initiative aims to enhance the ecological integrity of Karura Forest, making it a more authentic urban recreational forest dominated by native species.

The public and visitors are encouraged to support and trust the management activities, which are in line with sustainable forest management practices and environmental conservation goals.