President William Ruto has announced a new directive aimed at ensuring transparency in the issuance of logging licenses.
During a recent speech, he stated that all future licenses will be awarded through an open public tendering process, a move he believes will maximize the benefits of Kenya’s forest resources for its citizens.
“To effectively manage our forest resources, we must put an end to the old, opaque methods of allocation,” Ruto declared.
“From now on, all public forest resources will be allocated through a transparent tendering process.”
The President made these statements at the passing-out ceremony for 465 newly trained officers of the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and 102 forest cadets at the National Youth Service headquarters in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
This event marked the largest intake of KFS personnel since the country’s independence, adding to the 2,600 forest rangers recruited last year to enhance Kenya’s environmental conservation efforts.
Ruto commended the reforms implemented within KFS over the past two years, noting a remarkable 90% reduction in illegal logging activities.
“The leadership at KFS has achieved significant milestones,” he remarked.
“Illegal logging has decreased dramatically since we began these reforms, allowing the service to operate largely on internally generated revenue.”
He praised KFS for becoming financially self-sufficient, with its operations supported by the Sh4.7 billion budget mainly funded through its own revenue streams.
This year, the government only contributed Sh280 million, underscoring the agency’s progress in generating its own funds.
Ruto expressed confidence that by next year, KFS would no longer rely on government funding.
“You serve as a model for other agencies, proving that it is feasible to operate using internally generated resources,” he told the graduates.
As part of Kenya’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the newly trained KFS officers will manage youth initiatives under the ClimateWorX Mtaani project, aimed at enhancing the greening and cleanliness of urban areas.
“These accomplishments underscore our commitment to becoming a global leader in environmental conservation,” Ruto stated, urging the graduates to uphold professionalism and steer clear of corrupt practices that have historically plagued KFS.
“Ensure your careers remain unblemished by issues of integrity, negligence, or incompetence,” he advised.
Additionally, Ruto announced that the government will prioritize locally manufactured timber products, seeking to strengthen the domestic industry while responsibly utilizing forest resources. “We are committed to promoting the use of locally sourced timber over imported materials,” he emphasized.
He also indicated plans to amend the Forest Conservation and Management Act of 2016 to foster collaboration and innovation among conservation stakeholders, equipping them with the necessary tools to make forest protection a catalyst for sustainable development.
Attending the ceremony were Environment Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, and Chief Conservator of Forests Alexander Lemarkoko.
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