House Committee Raises Questions on National Tree Planting and Harvesting Program as Members Adopt BPS Report

 

The Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry, and Mining, led by Hon. Dr. Joseph Wainaina Iraya, has raised concerns regarding the revenue generated from the tree harvesting program after the government lifted the moratorium on logging. The committee also questioned the funding and execution of the ambitious National Tree Planting Program, which aims to plant 15 billion trees by the year 2032.

During the session, Hon. Beatrice Kemei (Kericho) pointed out that the State Department of Forestry is collecting billions of shillings from the harvesting of mature trees and the production of seedlings. However, the revenue generated from these activities has not been disclosed. Hon. Kemei questioned how the funds are being utilized, particularly in counties like Kericho, which are home to several forests.

“Hon. Members, this Committee needs to be told how these funds are utilized. We have money generated from our forests; take for example the many forests we have in Kericho County. How is the State Department for Forestry utilizing these funds?” Hon. Kemei asked.

She also raised concerns about the National Tree Planting Exercise, highlighting the need for transparency in the planting and care of the trees. Hon. Kemei questioned whether the trees were being adequately maintained to ensure their growth, adding, "There is a possibility for the State Department to also use their available tree seedlings when we have allocated a budget for the same."

Hon. José Emathe (Turkana Central) further questioned the inclusivity of the 15 billion tree planting target, stating that some regions of the country, including Turkana County, have been excluded from the program. He urged for a more equitable distribution of tree planting efforts across the nation.

“There is a possibility that some parts of the country have been left behind in this exercise. For instance, Turkana County has never been considered for the National Tree Planting Exercise,” Hon. Emathe noted.

The Committee emphasized the importance of engaging the State Department for Forestry to address these concerns and provide clarity on the issues raised.

In addition to these concerns, the Committee later proceeded to adopt the 2025 Budget Policy Statement (BPS) and the Medium-Term Spending Plan for the three State Departments under the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change. The BPS was presented and defended last week and will be presented to the National Assembly Liaison Committee on Monday next week.

The Committee’s questioning underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of Kenya’s forestry resources, as the government continues its efforts to balance environmental conservation with economic benefits.

February 28, 2025