Experts call for urgent action to protect Kenya’s forests on Wangari Maathai Day
Environmental experts in Kenya have raised the alarm over the continued degradation of the country’s forests, calling for the strict enforcement of existing environmental laws to safeguard natural resources. Speaking in Nairobi during the commemoration of Wangari Maathai Day, conservationists emphasized the urgent need for stronger policies and collective action to combat deforestation, which threatens climate resilience, biodiversity, and livelihoods.
Steve Itela, CEO of the Conservation Alliance of Kenya, highlighted the dire state of Kenya’s forests, pointing to rapid urban expansion, unregulated development, and illegal deforestation as key threats to the country’s green spaces.
“Our critical water towers, including the Aberdares, Mau Forest, and Karura, face unprecedented destruction, jeopardizing water security, biodiversity, and livelihoods,” said Itela. “Despite conservation policies, environmental mismanagement and neglect persist, putting both present and future generations at risk.”
In honor of the late Professor Wangari Maathai, a Nobel Laureate and global environmental champion, the Green Belt Movement and its partners urged government leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to step up efforts in forest conservation.
Environmental experts have urged the government to enforce strict forest protection policies, enhance governance for sustainable land use, and promote active citizen engagement. Speaking during Wangari Maathai Day, the Green Belt Movement emphasized that protecting Kenya’s forests is crucial for biodiversity, climate resilience, and future generations.
“We urge every Kenyan to take action, whether through advocacy, afforestation, or community initiatives,” said Itela. “Professor Wangari Maathai once reminded us that small, persistent efforts collectively create transformative change. It is time for all of us to act.”
The experts also raised concerns over the increasing frequency of forest fires, with recent blazes reported in Nairobi National Park and other green spaces. They called for the establishment of a robust disaster management program to anticipate and respond to such threats effectively.
Experts call for urgent action to protect Kenya’s forests on Wangari Maathai Day
“Rather than just fighting fires, we need to proactively equip agencies and communities to handle them before they escalate,” said an environmental advocate. “Cigarette disposal, charcoal burning, and uncontrolled land use contribute to these disasters, and urgent measures must be put in place.”
Job Mwangi, Advocacy Manager at the Green Belt Movement, criticized the government’s decision to lift the logging ban, warning that it has led to unchecked tree harvesting. “We are losing our forest cover at an alarming rate. The focus should not just be on planting trees but also on protecting existing forests,” he said.
Sherie Gakii, Communications Manager at Greenpeace Africa, echoed these concerns, urging the public to sign an ongoing petition demanding government accountability on forest conservation. “We are not against development, but it must be done sustainably. Why should forests be the first target for infrastructure projects when alternative land exists?” she questioned.
Despite Kenya Forest Service (KFS) dismissing claims of deforestation threats, conservationists insist that the evidence on the ground tells a different story. “We are here to hold the government accountable, but we also want to collaborate to find sustainable solutions,” said Mwangi.
As part of the Wangari Maathai Day celebrations, young people were encouraged to participate in tree-planting initiatives, clean-up exercises, and climate awareness campaigns. Experts warned that if immediate action is not taken, Kenya could face severe environmental consequences, including water shortages, loss of biodiversity, and worsening climate conditions.
“Our forests are our heritage, passed down from our grandparents, and we have a duty to protect them for future generations,” said a conservation leader. “The time for action is now. Our forests, water towers, and livelihoods depend on it.”