Nyandarua Governor, Kiarie Badilisha, has raised alarm over what he termed as massive and uncontrolled tree cutting in the Aberdare Forest, warning that the practice poses a looming environmental and economic disaster.
The Governor faulted the alleged misuse of the recent lifting of the moratorium on logging by President William Ruto, saying the directive was being abused by some individuals to justify large-scale destruction of the Aberdare ranges.
He noted that the forest is one of the country’s most critical water towers, supporting rivers and ecosystems that serve several counties across the region.
Badilisha cautioned that continued deforestation in the Aberdares threatens water security, agriculture, and livelihoods, not only in Nyandarua but also in downstream counties that depend on the water catchment.
He said that the current rate of tree cutting was a disaster in waiting, noting that the forest is a lifeline to millions of Kenyans, and its destruction will have far-reaching adverse consequences.
“The Aberdare forest is one of the water towers in this country. The waters from here serve several counties but it is unfortunate that the continued uncontrolled logging is posing a water crisis not only for this County, but for several other counties, including Nairobi County, which gets its water from the Aberdares,” said Badilisha.
He further decried the damage caused by heavy lorries ferrying logs from the forest, noting that the vehicles have extensively destroyed recently constructed county roads.
Badilisha said roads have already become impassable, undermining development gains and inconveniencing residents.
The Governor’s sentiments were echoed by local residents, who expressed concern over the environmental degradation and deteriorating road infrastructure.
Residents accused those involved in logging of prioritising short-term gains at the expense of long-term sustainability of public resources.
They called on the National government and relevant agencies to urgently intervene, enforce environmental laws, and regulate transportation of forest products to protect the Aberdare ecosystem and preserve County infrastructure.
By Antony Mwangi
