In a landmark decision set to reshape Kenya’s timber and furniture sectors, President William Ruto has officially lifted the national logging ban, paving the way for the harvesting of mature trees in forests across the country.
The President made the announcement during a public engagement at the Molo Technical and Vocational College in Elburgon, Nakuru County, where he underscored the importance of using local resources to fuel homegrown industries rather than depending on imports.
“We shall reopen the timber factories here in Elburgon,” declared Ruto to a cheering crowd. “I have told my Minister of Trade, Mr. Lee Kinyanjui, that importing furniture from China must end. We will use our wood to make furniture.”
According to the Head of State, mature timber currently left to rot in forests will now be put to productive use, creating jobs, revitalizing local economies, and supporting the government’s Affordable Housing Programme.
President Ruto stressed that the move is not a green light for deforestation, but a strategic decision to manage forest resources sustainably.
He emphasized that only mature trees will be harvested under strict supervision, warning against misuse of the new directive.
“This lifting of the ban is not permission to destroy our forests,” he cautioned. “It is a call for responsible logging that benefits both our people and our environment.”
The President also revealed plans to meet with saw millers from the region to set clear guidelines on ethical timber harvesting and reforestation commitments.
Ruto’s directive is expected to revive dormant timber factories and stimulate local furniture production, offering a lifeline to thousands of carpenters, artisans, and youth in the manufacturing sector.
He said that furniture used in Kenya’s affordable housing units will now be made locally, from Kenyan timber, by Kenyan hands.
“Furniture in Kenya will use timber from here, and our Kenyan youth will create that furniture,” Ruto affirmed.
The announcement has been welcomed by local leaders including Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, CS Alice Wahome (Lands and Housing), and CS Lee Kinyanjui (Trade), who were present at the event alongside Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and several MPs and MCAs.
Before the Elburgon visit, President Ruto toured Kuresoi North Constituency, where he launched new livelihood projects under the Mau Forest Restoration Programme — a key conservation effort aimed at balancing environmental protection with economic empowerment.
He later commissioned the 220-unit St. Claire Affordable Housing Project and laid the foundation stone for the 2,680-unit Michinda Affordable Housing Project — both part of his administration’s plan to deliver dignified homes for Kenyan families.
Experts say the conditional lifting of the logging ban could mark a turning point for Kenya’s wood-based industries, unlocking billions in potential revenue — but only if environmental safeguards are firmly enforced.
As the saws prepare to roar once again, the challenge for Kenya will be to find harmony between development and conservation — ensuring that the forests fueling tomorrow’s furniture also stand tall for generations to come.
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