The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has responded to allegations of illegal logging at Ngong Hills Forest after videos and photographs showing felled trees and timber being transported circulated on social media.
In a statement issued on Sunday, October 25, 2026, the agency maintained that the ongoing tree harvesting was authorised and formed part of an approved operation targeting mature forest plantations in the Kibiku Forest Block. <Cite refs={[“turn302567view0″,”turn302567search3”]}/>
According to KFS, the operation covers 56 hectares of mature plantations and followed a competitive tendering process. The agency said the exercise was being conducted under the laws governing public procurement and forest management in Kenya.
The clarification came after social media users raised concerns that trees were allegedly being cut at night, with photographs of a trailer loaded with logs fuelling further questions.
KFS stated that forest harvesting operations are required to take place between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. under the Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2026. <Cite refs={[“turn302567view0″,”turn302567search4”]}/>
KFS Explains Photo of Trailer Carrying Logs
Addressing the photograph of the timber-loaded trailer, the agency said it had received information that the vehicle had broken down and was undergoing repairs.
However, KFS said it was still verifying the circumstances surrounding the incident, adding that the photograph alone did not prove that harvesting activities had taken place at night. <Cite refs={[“turn302567search3″,”turn302567search6”]}/>
The agency also outlined plans to involve the Community Forest Association in replanting trees after the harvesting exercise through the Plantation Enterprise and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS).
Under the scheme, community participation supports plantation establishment and management.
KFS Issues Message to Kenyans
The service urged members of the public with concerns about forest management and tree harvesting to seek clarification from the nearest KFS station.
It also called on Kenyans to report suspicious activities in forests to the nearest police station rather than rely solely on unverified claims circulating online. <Cite refs={[“turn302567view0″,”turn302567search3”]}/>
The statement comes amid growing public debate over tree felling and environmental conservation in Kenya, including concerns raised over tree removal along State House Road and road construction projects in other parts of the country.
While KFS maintains that the Ngong Hills operation is authorised, the agency says it is still verifying the circumstances surrounding the trailer photograph.