The Environment and Land Court has halted the directive by President William Ruto to lift a six-year ban on logging.
In the case, LSK moved to court challenged the decision by the state to lift the ban on logging.
The court issued orders staying the implementation of the policy directive by the president lifting of the ban on logging implemented throughout Kenya in 2018
” Orders are granted staying the Government directive on the revocation of the Gazette Notices previously issued for degazettement of Forest areas/designating areas as Forests and the and re-introduction of the Shamba System,”reads the order
Justice Oscar Angote also barred the state from granting any licenses or permits to cut trees.
LSK was directed to serve the application to parties and the case as scheduled for hearing on August 14.
Through lawyer Kennedy Waweru, LSK told court that the logging activities had already began despite it not being fully appraised of the impact.
“H.E William Samoei Ruto on Sunday, 2nd July, 2023 announced government policy aimed at lifting the ban on logging in Forests implemented in 2018,” reads court papers.
The legal body further says that the President, the Deputy President and a host of Chief Policy makers have made pronouncements as to the de-gazettement of forests areas in favour of farmers, saw millers and families near the forests.
They argue that the directives issued have not provided any scientific reasons, research, policy directives, specific environmental assessment impact, nor the public participation done in the areas likely to be affected by the removal of the ban on logging.
