Loggers invade Aberdare forest

Loggers have been destroying parts of the Aberdare Forest, one of the country’s five main sources of water.

With the Mau Forest being the main focus of attention, conservationists appear to have forgotten the other key sources of water.

A spot check by the Nation in Zaina forest — a section of the Aberdares — revealed that loggers have for the past one month been felling trees for timber despite a ban on logging imposed 10 years ago to protect forests.

Destruction

However, the government is not aware about the destruction, according to the head of Central Highlands Conservancy, Mr John Wachihi.

“I’m not aware of such destruction and I’m hearing it from you,” Mr Wachihi said on Monday by telephone.

The loggers are not using power saws to cut down the trees, apparently to avoid being noticed by the local communities. They are using a crosscut saw or a giant saw which is manual. The tool has a handle on each end and is used by two people.

One of the plantation forests of mature cypress trees near the electric fence that separates the forest and the national park has already been destroyed, with only a few trees remaining.

The forest is the main source of water for Nairobi, parts of Central, Eastern and Coast Provinces.

Some of the major rivers originating from the Aberdares include, Tana, Chania and Gura.

Apart from being the main source of water for Nairobi and other regions, 55 per cent of Kenya’s electricity is generated by water from rivers flowing from the Aberdares and Mt Kenya.