Kenya has been importing timber worth Sh7bn a year since the introduction of its logging ban six years ago, the country’s deputy chief conservator of forests has revealed.
Peter Mbunga told a workshop in the Mau region that imports from Uganda, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo are being used in the construction and furniture industries.
Domestic milling jobs have been lost as a result, with mills looking to private farms to meet their timber needs.
Manufacturers who are allowed to continue logging include Raiply Timber, Timsales, Comply and Pan Paper.
