Kenya is facing renewed debate over the protection of its forests as environmental activists and civil society organisations call for an immediate halt to deforestation and stronger safeguards for protected forest areas.
The groups say some government infrastructure projects and commercial timber-harvesting activities are at odds with Kenya’s commitments to environmental conservation and climate action.
At the centre of the dispute are proposed amendments to the Forest Conservation and Management Act, which would allow the creation of “easements” for public roads, utilities and other infrastructure within protected forest areas.
Conservationists have raised concerns that the proposed changes could weaken existing protections and provide a pathway for infrastructure development in areas previously shielded by court decisions.
They argue that the amendments could undermine earlier legal victories that stopped what they described as unlawful development on public forest land.
The debate has consequently placed the government’s development agenda under renewed scrutiny, with environmental groups demanding greater transparency and stronger guarantees that Kenya’s forests will not be sacrificed in the name of infrastructure development.
The controversy comes as Kenya continues to promote its climate and environmental commitments, putting renewed focus on how the country balances economic development with the protection of its natural ecosystems.
